The Trump admin was serious about securing the border. But Democrats are getting in their way.
That’s why Trump’s border czar has unveiled plans to arrest a sitting Democrat governor.
Border Czar Tom Homan Threatens Prosecution Against Gov. Murphy Over Housing Illegal Immigrant
Border czar Tom Homan issued a stern warning on Monday, vowing to investigate and “seek prosecution” against Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy if it is found that he knowingly housed an illegal immigrant at his property. Homan’s comments come after the governor made a controversial statement during a public event on Saturday, revealing that he is housing a female illegal immigrant above his garage. Murphy went so far as to challenge Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to come to his home and arrest the woman.
Homan, who is the former acting director of ICE, deemed the governor’s actions a violation of federal law. In his statement, Homan referenced the federal statute Title VIII, United States Code 1324, which criminalizes the harboring and concealing of illegal immigrants. He emphasized that if Murphy is indeed breaking the law, it would not go unnoticed.
“Well, I think the governor is pretty foolish saying what he said because I got note of it, won’t let it go, we’ll look into it and if he’s knowingly harboring and concealing an illegal alien, that’s a violation of Title VIII, United States Code 1324. I will seek prosecution, or Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem will seek prosecution. So, maybe he’s bluffing, if he’s not, we’ll deal with that,” Homan stated.
Governor Murphy’s comments came after a recent crackdown by ICE agents, who arrested over 7,400 illegal immigrants with criminal records, including individuals convicted of violent offenses, since the Trump administration took office. Homan’s threat of legal action adds another layer of tension in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, especially in sanctuary states like New Jersey.
However, a source close to Governor Murphy quickly clarified the situation. The source, who spoke with Fox News, explained that no one had actually moved into the governor’s home. Instead, Murphy had mentioned the possibility of offering shelter to an immigrant, but it was never acted upon. According to the source, the person in question was said to be a legal resident, and Murphy had merely suggested that they could stay at his residence if they wished.
“No one ever actually moved into his home, so not for a month, not for a week, not for an hour, not for a day,” the source said. “He was just talking about someone in his broader orbit who was on edge over the broader climate and was concerned. He mentioned, not even to the person, he mentioned to someone else that they could move in if they want, so I think that’s where some of the misunderstanding was.”
The controversy comes on the heels of New Jersey’s designation as a sanctuary state in March 2019, a status that has allowed the state to provide shelter and support to illegal immigrants. This policy has been at the heart of the state’s stance on immigration, particularly as ICE has ramped up enforcement efforts. A recent raid in Newark, New Jersey, carried out by ICE agents, resulted in the arrest of three illegal immigrants, including one individual who had previously been deported.
Homan’s warning to Governor Murphy is not an isolated incident. In November, he issued similar threats toward other Democratic leaders, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, stating that those who obstructed federal immigration enforcement could face criminal charges. Homan’s comments were part of a broader push to address illegal immigration, particularly under the Trump administration, which prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement.
Under Trump’s leadership, ICE agents arrested individuals with extensive criminal backgrounds, including a gang member in Boston with 17 prior criminal convictions and a Dominican national in Massachusetts who had been convicted in 2007 of murdering his wife in front of their child. The administration’s focus on removing criminal illegal immigrants became a key part of its broader immigration policy.
In response to the growing border crisis, Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border in January 2020, aiming to secure additional resources to address the influx of migrants. His administration also reversed a policy implemented during the Biden administration, which had restricted ICE arrests in “sensitive locations” such as schools, hospitals, and churches.
Trump’s administration also took steps to combat the growing drug crisis linked to the border. The president imposed a series of tariffs on China and Mexico, including a 25% tariff on Mexican goods, in an effort to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. The tariffs were paused for 30 days after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to deploy 10,000 additional troops to the border. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to address the fentanyl crisis by appointing a “Fentanyl Czar” and committing over $1 billion in new resources for border security.
Be sure to stay updated on this developing story right here on the Federalist Wire.
