What do candidates for NJ governor want to do about ‘sanctuary’ cities?

Democratic front-runner Phil Murphy has said he would not enforce Trump administration policies that he views as unconstitutional or "un-American." He says he opposes "mass deportations" and has called for allowing immigrants living here illegally to obtain driver's licenses as well as permitting those in the state under the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to receive in-state tuition, and easing restrictions to obtain professional licenses.

Democrat Jim Johnson, a former Clinton administration Treasury official, said this week he would direct the state attorney general to "protect sanctuary cities by any legal means necessary." He has also proposed created an immigration council aimed at advocating for the state's immigrant families.

Democratic state Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union, favors establishing a "path to citizenship" for those here illegally, although that decision falls to the federal government. He also favors allowing immigrants living in the U.S. without legal permission to obtain driver's licenses and receive in-state college tuition. He has said New Jersey should be sanctuary state.

Democratic Assemblyman John Wisniewski, D-Middlesex, has similarly called for legislation to make New Jersey a sanctuary state. He says the legislation would give state law enforcement officers the ability to refuse cooperation with federal officials on immigration issues.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno recently called cities' efforts to designate themselves as sanctuaries "a political stunt." She told The Record recently that the status gives immigrants a "false sense" of security. As Monmouth County sheriff, she entered into a federal partnership that allowed local authorities to initiate deportation proceedings against immigrants suspected of being in the country illegally and committing serious crimes.

Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, R-Somerset, opposes the Democratic lawmakers' legislation to reimburse state sanctuary cities, calling it "reckless and irresponsible."

Nutley Commissioner and a former Fox News contributor Steve Rogers says he supports Trump's policies. He said he would "take it one step further" and call for elected officials who break the law on immigration issues to be prosecuted.