Jim Johnson Statement on Attorney General Jeff Session’s Threats Against Sanctuary Cities

Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Under Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Jim Johnson released the following statement on Attorney General Jeff Session’s threat to block sanctuary cities from receiving Department of Justice grants for state and local law enforcement:

“Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatened to disqualify sanctuary cities from receiving Department of Justice funding grants — grants that keep our families and cities safe by funding everything from police body cameras to officer trainings. As the Trump administration tries to distract from their failure to replace the Affordable Care Act by attacking our immigrant communities, here in New Jersey, we will continue to take a stand against this bigotry and hate. New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation, and our immigrant communities are integral to the fabric of our state. As Governor, I will direct New Jersey’s Attorney General to protect our sanctuary cities by any legal means necessary. My administration will not participate in tearing families apart.”

Johnson proposed the creation of an interagency group called the New Jersey Immigration Council to help those most at risk. Read the full text of his plan here.