Rob Canfield, Republican candidate for Governor of New Jersey, announced today his strong opposition to New Jersey’s current sanctuary policies and criticized a proposed bill in the state legislature that would officially declare New Jersey a sanctuary state. Canfield has vowed to not only oppose this legislation but to take decisive action to end sanctuary policies statewide, including withholding state funding from any city or county that adopts such policies.

“New Jersey cannot afford to embrace policies that compromise public safety and defy the rule of law,” Canfield said. “There are two bills before the legislature right now—one to make New Jersey a sanctuary state and one to ensure we are not. I firmly support the legislation opposing sanctuary status and will work tirelessly to ensure that New Jersey remains safe and secure.”

Under current sanctuary policies, local governments restrict cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing individuals, including those with serious criminal records, to evade federal law enforcement. Canfield argues that making New Jersey an official sanctuary state would exacerbate these risks and further undermine the safety of residents.

“If the legislature chooses to prioritize illegal activity over the safety of its residents, I will act as Governor to hold them accountable,” said Canfield. “Any city or county in New Jersey that passes sanctuary resolutions or laws will lose all state funding until those policies are reversed. The message is simple: our state will no longer subsidize lawlessness.”
Canfield’s plan to address sanctuary policies includes:

• Opposing the bill to declare New Jersey a sanctuary state and working with legislators to pass the opposing measure.
• Cutting state funding to any city or county that adopts sanctuary resolutions or policies.
• Ending statewide sanctuary policies to ensure full cooperation with federal authorities.
• Supporting local law enforcement agencies with resources to enhance public safety.
• Advocating for legal immigration pathways and addressing challenges posed by illegal immigration.