Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba has issued a subpoena to Governor Phil Murphy as part of a federal investigation into claims he allegedly sheltered an undocumented immigrant at his residence, sources told The New York Times.
The subpoena stems from remarks made by Murphy in February regarding providing housing for someone “whose immigration status was not yet at the point” of legal clarity.
According to federal documents, FBI agents have interviewed at least four witnesses to corroborate Murphy’s statements. One official confirmed that although Murphy has not yet been directly questioned, he has been formally subpoenaed as part of the inquiry.
Habba initially began her probe earlier this year. In April, she announced an investigation into Murphy and state Attorney General Matt Platkin over their Immigration Trust Directive, which directs state law enforcement to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
She criticized Murphy for directing state police not to assist ICE and for comments suggesting he had thwarted federal enforcement near his home.
Murphy’s controversial February statement—made during a gathering with grassroots activists—was interpreted by many as a boast about protecting an undocumented person.
“Let’s have her live at our house above our garage, and good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her,” he said. Later, a Murphy spokesperson clarified that no one had actually resided on the property.
In response to Habba’s April investigation announcement, Murphy defended his administration’s policies.
He argued that state law enforcement routinely complies with legitimate federal criminal investigations and that New Jersey remains open to cooperating on criminal cases, asserting: “If you’re a criminal in New Jersey, we’re coming after you. We’re not in the immigration business”.
The inquiry has drawn criticism from Murphy’s supporters, who argue it politicizes immigration enforcement and targets a legally compliant governor.
Nonetheless, Habba maintains that public comments implying the sheltering of undocumented individuals and directives limiting local cooperation with ICE may constitute obstruction of federal law.
Details on the exact legal basis for the subpoena remain undisclosed. Legal analysts suggest the probe could involve charges ranging from harboring undocumented immigrants under federal statutes to interfering with federal enforcement actions.
As it stands, Murphy has not been formally charged. The investigation remains active, with both sides positioning themselves for what may become a prolonged legal and political confrontation.
