Newark—New Jersey Citizen Action today released the following response to Bob Hugin’s statement on Sanctuary Cities.

“Bob Hugin’s belief that sanctuary cities are illegal is a clear indication that he will carry out President Trump’s callous and shameful attacks on our country’s law-abiding immigrant communities if elected to the U.S. Senate,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kay, Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action.  “Instead of supporting policies aimed at promoting public safety, Bob Hugin is using distortion to stoke fear of undocumented immigrants and minority communities. This the same xenophobic tactic used by Donald Trump, Steve Lonegan, and by Kim Guadagno in a vile ad during last year’s gubernatorial campaign. Immigrants have and continue to contribute to the economic, social, and culture of our State and our country.

“Bob Hugin’s divisive beliefs and rhetoric diminish those contributions and channel Donald Trump by demonizing our diverse communities. This is nothing short of peddling hatred to appeal to his base. New Jersey does not deserve an out of touch bigot who will tear families apart, let fear drive their policymaking, and use disenfranchised communities as pawns to be used to advance far-right policies.”