The Republican-led Wyckoff Township Committee approved a resolution this week declaring its opposition to the creation of sanctuaries in New Jersey for illegal aliens. The resolution also states that Wyckoff will not budget money for unfunded state or federal mandates related to sanctuary cities.

The resolution introduced earlier this month by Committeemen Thomas Madigan and Timothy Shanley expressed the intent of the majority of the governing body to oppose Gov. Phil Murphy’s campaign promise to make New Jersey a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants

“While Gov. Murphy is concerned about pandering to those who want open borders for illegal immigrants, we are concerned about the safety of our community and the impact of illegal immigration on our town and our taxpayers,” said Madigan, who noted that recent incidents of violence committed by illegal immigrants is a concern for him.

“This is not a resolution expressing our sentiment about immigrants. It is a resolution stating very clearly that we are opposed to providing sanctuary to those who enter our country illegally, regardless of whatever policies Gov. Murphy implements,” added Madigan.

The resolution was approved 4-0 on Monday night, with Democratic Committeewoman Melissa Rubenstein absent from the meeting. Rubenstein and fellow Democrat Brian Scanlan expressed strong opposition to the resolution when it was first introduced earlier this month. Scanlan voted for the resolution this week.

The resolution notes that a large number of illegal immigrants live in New Jersey and they represent a financial burden on taxpayers. It also notes that Gov. Murphy is extending financial benefits to illegal immigrants, including free legal aid to fight deportation and free college tuition, costing taxpayers millions.

“As we did with our marijuana ordinance over the summer, where we outlawed the retail sale of pot, we took action on an emerging issue that we believe it is in the best interest of our town’s future,” said Committeeman Shanley. “We are taking a stand on policies being created in Trenton and advanced by the governor that will have an impact on our community and its quality of life.”

“We don’t want to have marijuana sold in our community and we don’t want to be considered a sanctuary town for people who come into the country illegally,” added Shanley.

The resolution opposes the declaration of New Jersey as a Sanctuary State and recognizes that New Jersey cannot ban Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials from operating in the state. The resolution also calls upon Congress and the President to enact Comprehensive Compassionate Immigration Reform.

“It’s unfortunate that Congress has failed for several decades to protect our nation’s borders and to enact reasonable immigration reform members that put America first; and because of Congress’s failure, municipalities such as ours, have to act on illegal immigration,” said Madigan.