Alina Habba Sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney General Lawyer

News Summary

On March 28, 2025, Alina Habba was sworn in as the interim U.S. Attorney General for New Jersey, appointed by President Trump. She has initiated an investigation into Governor Phil Murphy’s immigration directive, which limits collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. This directive has faced criticism and legal challenges, underscoring tensions between state and federal law enforcement approaches to immigration policies. As Habba leads the investigation, the future of immigration enforcement in New Jersey remains uncertain.

Alina Habba Sworn in as Interim U.S. Attorney General for New Jersey

On March 28, 2025, Alina Habba took the oath of office as the interim U.S. Attorney General for New Jersey, an appointment made by President Donald Trump. With this new role comes significant responsibility, as Habba has initiated an investigation into Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, centering around a controversial immigration directive.

Investigation Launched into Immigration Policies

The focal point of the investigation is the Immigrant Trust Directive, which was established under the Murphy administration. This directive constrains local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, specifically limiting their engagement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Habba revealed the investigation through an interview on a popular cable news network, framing it as a warning to state officials regarding their compliance with federal immigration laws.

As Habba dives into this legal quagmire, the law enforcement community in New Jersey finds itself in a precarious position. Matt Platkin has publicly stated his commitment to uphold the responsibilities of his role while supporting local law enforcement. He has been vocal about the importance of collaboration between state and federal law enforcement offices.

Governor Murphy’s Defense of State Policies

Governor Murphy echoed Platkin’s sentiments, asserting that local law enforcement in New Jersey remains dedicated to addressing crime. He emphasized that cooperation with federal agencies occurs when necessary, positioning New Jersey as a state that balances local safety with federal regulations.

The Immigrant Trust Directive has been a flashpoint for complaints regarding the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the state. Recent immigration arrests in urban centers, particularly Newark, have injected new life into accusations that New Jersey law enforcement has been lax in notifying ICE about individuals who possess deportation warrants.

Legislative Developments and Court Decisions

Amidst these investigations and accusations, a bill is currently pending in the New Jersey Legislature that seeks to codify the Immigrant Trust Directive. However, this legislation has experienced delays and has not yet progressed through the legislative process. In an interesting twist, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld the directive in response to a lawsuit, siding with the Murphy administration and underscoring the legal complexities surrounding immigration enforcement policies.

Federal Enforcement Actions Draw Ire

Recent federal enforcement actions have intensified scrutiny on local practices. Several immigration arrests in Newark have drawn criticism from local officials. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has been particularly vocal, alleging that federal agents conducted operations without proper warrants at local businesses, including a seafood market. The market owner expressed concerns regarding the negative impact of ICE actions on both his business and the morale of his employees.

Community Response to Immigration Enforcement

This surge in federal immigration activity has galvanized local activists and organizations. Immigration rights groups, such as New Labor, are stepping up efforts to confirm the identities of those detained and to assist their families during what can be an incredibly stressful time. Local activists are calling for the protection of the rights and safety of undocumented residents, raising alarms over the potential fallout from increased immigration enforcement.

With Alina Habba at the helm as the interim U.S. Attorney General, the investigation into New Jersey’s immigration policies promises to expose deeper rifts between state and federal approaches to law enforcement. As this story develops, the actions of Habba, Murphy, and Platkin will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of immigration enforcement in New Jersey.