Peterson Blasts Democrats for Reviving Immigrant Bills After Murphy Rejected Them
February 11, 2026, 4:11 pm | in
Peterson Blasts Democrats for Reviving Immigrant Bills After Murphy Rejected Them
2/11/2026
Assemblyman Erik Peterson sharply criticized Assembly Democrats for advancing legislation nearly identical to two sweeping immigrant-rights bills that were pocket vetoed just three weeks ago by former Gov. Phil Murphy.
The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee is scheduled to move the measures again Thursday, despite Murphy’s warning that the bills risked conflicts with federal law and potential court challenges.
“Let’s call this what it is — Democrats are protecting criminals,” Peterson said. “We have immigration laws in this country. When you break them, there are consequences. Criminals should be afraid of law enforcement. Instead, this majority wants to tie the hands of our police and shield people who are here illegally from federal authorities.”
Murphy rejected one bill over what he called a “drafting oversight” that would have placed the legislation in conflict with federal law. He also refused to sign legislation codifying the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive, arguing the bill differed from his directive and could expose the state to renewed judicial scrutiny.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has expressed similar concerns, saying she would not support measures that undermine the state’s ability to defend its policies in court.
Peterson said reviving the bills now ignores those warnings.
“There are families in New Jersey who have done everything right and are struggling,” said Peterson (R-Hunterdon). “They deserve a Legislature focused on them, not one that keeps doubling down on policies even their own governor refused to sign. It’s time to stop protecting criminals and start protecting taxpayers.”
Peterson also pointed to what he described as the financial strain on taxpayers.
“Seven billion dollars — that’s the estimated burden illegal immigration places on our state,” Peterson said. “Think about what that money could do for veterans battling PTSD, seniors on fixed incomes, or school districts like Toms River and Lacey that have been hammered by funding cuts. Instead, Democrats want to spend it protecting criminals.”
