New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy may find himself in legal trouble after publicly claiming that an immigrant without full documentation was staying in his home. President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has promised to investigate the governor’s statement, warning that if Murphy knowingly harbored an illegal immigrant, he could face prosecution.
During a public event, Murphy appeared to brag about sheltering someone whose immigration status was still being processed. He then dared federal authorities to act, saying, “Good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her.” His remarks were met with immediate backlash, with many questioning whether he had just openly admitted to violating U.S. immigration law.
Homan responded swiftly during an appearance on Fox News, making it clear that Murphy’s words would not be ignored. “If he’s knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a violation of Title 8, United States Code 1324,” he stated. “I will seek prosecution or the secretary will seek prosecution.” Homan also criticized sanctuary city policies, blaming them for enabling criminals to evade law enforcement and continue committing violent crimes.
Murphy’s office later tried to downplay the situation, claiming that the governor’s remarks were “misinterpreted.” A spokesperson stated that Murphy was referring to a legal resident who was worried about Trump’s immigration policies, not an undocumented immigrant. However, critics argue that if that were the case, there would have been no reason for Murphy to challenge federal authorities to intervene.
The controversy comes as Trump’s administration intensifies its immigration crackdown. ICE agents have arrested thousands of illegal immigrants over the past two weeks, with a particular focus on those with criminal backgrounds. Homan has repeatedly emphasized that the administration will not tolerate state officials obstructing federal immigration enforcement, and Murphy’s remarks have now put him directly in the spotlight.
As legal experts weigh in on whether Murphy’s statement could lead to criminal charges, Homan has made it clear that this will not be overlooked. Whether the governor was bluffing or not, his comments have drawn attention to the ongoing battle between federal immigration authorities and state leaders who refuse to comply with enforcement efforts.
