Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced that her office is launching an investigation into New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin.
Appearing on Fox News’ Hannity Thursday night, Habba — who previously served as a personal lawyer and spokesperson for former President Donald Trump — criticized Murphy and Platkin for what she described as their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Host Sean Hannity opened the segment by citing a report that claimed Murphy and Platkin had instructed state police not to act on federal warrants listed in national databases.
According to the report, officers were also told not to assist in civil immigration enforcement unless specifically ordered to do so by a judge.
Habba expressed concern over what she described as a directive on the governor’s website that outlines what state law enforcement can and cannot do. She said:
“Tonight, Sean, I’m announcing on your show that I’ve directed my office to open an investigation into Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin.
They have allegedly instructed state police not to assist federal agencies under my jurisdiction — that ends now.”
She emphasized that her office’s enforcement priorities are focused on removing violent criminals from the country and strictly upholding federal law, adding: “Anyone who obstructs that mission — and this is not political — will face charges in New Jersey for obstruction or concealment. I will pursue this aggressively.”
In response, Hannity invoked the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, suggesting it obligates state and local agencies to follow federal directives. Habba agreed and claimed that some New Jersey police officers fall under her jurisdiction.
“To the state officers I met with today, I respect your position. I know you don’t have Title VIII authority,” she said. “But under the AG and Governor’s orders, they’re not even allowed to notify ICE when they identify someone with a valid deportation warrant. That’s endangering public safety.”
She concluded with a warning: “If you committed a crime by ordering obstruction or harboring individuals, you will face charges.”
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