NEW JERSEY – Assemblyman Greg Myhre is leading a charge to repeal the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, which prohibits local and state police from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.
Myhre’s strategy involves extensive outreach and meetings with community leaders, law enforcement, and constituents to rally support. He is also urging the public, in a new public service announcement, to contact state Attorney General Matthew Platkin to demand cooperation with federal officials.
On May 2, Myhre introduced legislation (A4256) aimed at repealing the directive. Thirteen Assembly colleagues have already signed on as cosponsors, and Sen. Carmen Amato from his district has brought it to the state Senate.
“My primary concern is the safety and security of our residents,” said Myhre (R-Ocean).
He emphasizes that repealing the directive will enhance safety and opportunity for all residents, regardless of their immigration status, by targeting offenders who are in the country illegally and preventing their release back into the community.
“Repealing this directive is crucial for law enforcement to perform their duties without unnecessary restrictions,” Myhre added. “They need the authority to work with federal agencies to hold those who break our laws accountable and remove them from our communities if necessary.”
During Gov. Phil Murphy’s first term, then-state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal issued the directive as part of his pledge to make New Jersey a “sanctuary state.”
The directive also terminated agreements with the federal government that allowed local officials to perform immigration enforcement functions authorized under a 1996 law signed by then-President Bill Clinton. At the time the directive was issued, Cape May and Monmouth counties were participating in the program.
Myhre is calling on his colleagues in the legislature, as well as citizens concerned about public safety, to support his efforts.
