Outgoing Governor Set To Sign Three Controversial Immigration Bills As New Jersey’s Public Safety & Tax Burden Reaches Boiling Point

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 3:20 P.M. ET. 4 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

TRENTON, NJ.- As outgoing Governor Phil Murphy prepares to leave office on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, he is poised to make one final, sweeping policy move that critics say will permanently reshape New Jersey’s public-safety landscape. Murphy is expected to sign three sweeping immigration bills passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature this week, measures that together would make New Jersey a full sanctuary state.

     The legislation codifies restrictions preventing state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, establishes so-called “safe spaces” where immigration enforcement is discouraged or restricted, and sharply limits the sharing of personal data that could be used by federal agencies to identify and remove illegal immigrants.

     New Jersey Republicans and law-enforcement advocates argue the move is a reckless, ideologically driven decision that prioritizes politics over public safety, and places additional financial strain on taxpayers already burdened by some of the highest property and income taxes in the nation.

Three Bills, One Radical Shift In Policy;

1. Codifying the Immigrant Trust Directive

     The first bill elevates what had previously been an Attorney General directive into permanent state law. Under the statute, state, county, and municipal law-enforcement agencies would be prohibited from assisting federal immigration authorities, including sharing information regarding immigration status, detainer requests, release dates, or custodial information.

     Supporters claim the law builds trust between immigrant communities and local police. Critics counter that it intentionally obstructs coordination with federal authorities, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even when individuals have prior criminal histories.

     Law-enforcement officials warn that such restrictions could allow dangerous offenders to evade federal custody, increasing risks to officers and the public.

2. “Safe Communities” And Sensitive Locations Mandate

     A second bill requires state agencies to develop and enforce policies designating certain locations, including schools, hospitals, shelters, places of worship, and social-service facilities, as “sensitive locations.” At these sites, immigration enforcement actions would be discouraged or require advance notice and additional procedural hurdles.

     While Democratic lawmakers describe the measure as humanitarian, opponents argue it creates enforcement-free zones that can be exploited by criminal organizations and individuals seeking to avoid detection.

     Republicans warn that the policy invites abuse and undermines the uniform application of federal law.

3. Privacy Protection and Data-Sharing Restrictions

     The third bill, known as the Privacy Protection Act, sharply limits the collection, retention, and disclosure of personal information that could be used to determine immigration status. This includes restrictions on sharing Social Security numbers, taxpayer identification numbers, birthplaces, and other identifying data.

     Critics argue the measure is explicitly designed to block federal authorities from accessing lawful state records, preventing the identification and removal of criminal illegal immigrants and further isolating New Jersey from federal enforcement efforts.

Republican Pushback: “Public Safety Comes Last;”

     Republican lawmakers mounted strong opposition throughout the legislative process, warning that the bills would erode public safety, violate the spirit of federal immigration law, and expose the state to future legal challenges.

     Senate Republican leadership cautioned that severing communication between New Jersey law enforcement and federal agencies compromises investigations, hampers officer safety, and weakens coordinated responses to serious crimes.

     Opponents also cited constitutional concerns, arguing the legislation conflicts with federal authority over immigration under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Murphy’s Exit And His Final Imprint;

     Governor Murphy’s tenure has been marked by aggressive tax increases, expanded government spending, and progressive social policy. While supporters hail the sanctuary legislation as a moral stand, critics see it as a final ideological imprint imposed without voter consent during his final days in office.

     As Murphy exits, Republican leaders and conservative advocacy groups have vowed to pursue legislative reversals and legal challenges, arguing New Jersey must re-establish cooperation with federal authorities and restore a public-safety-first approach.

A Divisive Legacy;

     With New Jersey residents already facing historic affordability challenges, opponents say Murphy’s sanctuary-state push adds another layer of risk, one that shields illegal immigrants from enforcement while shifting costs and consequences onto law-abiding taxpayers.

     As the state transitions to new leadership, the impact of Murphy’s final acts will likely define the next chapter of New Jersey’s immigration and public-safety debate.

Editor’s Note:

All information in this article has been verified by Jennifer Hodeges, Political Editor, through legislative records, public statements, and contemporaneous reporting. Governor Phil Murphy is expected to sign the three immigration-related bills before leaving office on January 20, 2026. Englebrook Independent News will continue monitoring legal challenges, enforcement impacts, and legislative responses.