Warren County Commissioner Kern attends Newark council meeting to urge support for immigration enforcement resolution

NEWARK, NJ (Essex County) – Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III attended the Newark council meeting on February 19, urging council to support a resolution calling on Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin to uphold their oaths of office and enforce federal immigration laws.

This came as a response to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s recent visit to neighboring Hunterdon County, where the mayor addressed local officials and asked them not to cooperate with federal authorities.

“As elected officials, we have a responsibility to ensure public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the enforcement of the laws that govern our nation,” said Commissioner Kern. “New Jersey communities—including Newark—are directly impacted by policies that prevent law enforcement from addressing illegal immigration. It is critical that local governments come together to demand action from our state leadership.”

The resolution calls on Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin to reverse their policies that restrict law enforcement’s ability to uphold immigration laws. Commissioner Kern emphasized that this issue is not about opposing immigration but ensuring that laws are followed and that legal immigrants who abide by the system are treated fairly

“Our law enforcement officers should not be restricted from doing their jobs, especially when it comes to enforcing immigration laws that are in place to protect all residents,” Kern said, continuing “Failing to act places an undue burden on local governments and social services, jeopardizing the well-being of New Jersey residents.”

Following Mayor Baraka’s remarks in Hunterdon County, Commissioner Kern highlighted the need for a unified response from local leaders across the state. “Newark, like many other communities, has felt the impact of these policies. It is essential that we speak with one voice and demand that our state officials take responsibility,” he said.

During his remarks, Commissioner Kern took aim at state leadership, stating, “New Jersey cannot afford to be a sanctuary for illegal immigration while our own citizens struggle with rising costs and strained public resources. Enforcing the law is not a radical idea—it is a fundamental responsibility of government.”