New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism from Republican lawmakers following a hit-and-run incident involving a driver suspected of being an undocumented immigrant. The incident, which occurred on September 2 on Route 130 in North Brunswick, resulted in injuries to Dr. Penelope Cohen, the wife of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), officers attempted to stop the driver of an Acura during a targeted operation, but the individual allegedly refused to comply and fled the scene. While evading authorities, the driver reportedly ran a red light and collided with a Tesla driven by Dr. Cohen. She sustained a leg injury and was transported to a hospital for treatment. The suspect fled on foot but was later apprehended by federal agents. ICE confirmed the individual was taken into custody for violating U.S. immigration laws and will remain detained pending removal proceedings. The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.
Republican officials have seized on the incident to question New Jersey’s “sanctuary” policies, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Assemblyman Paul Kanitra of Point Pleasant Beach criticized Governor Sherrill and state Democrats for implementing and upholding these measures, arguing that they contribute to lawlessness and jeopardize public safety. “This is just the latest in a long line of traffic incidents and vehicular incidents that wouldn’t occur if New Jersey didn’t have our sanctuary status that got codified as soon as Gov. Sherrill came into office,” Kanitra said.
Kanitra further accused Democrats of avoiding accountability for potential consequences related to the Immigrant Trust Directive, the state policy limiting local law enforcement’s role in federal civil immigration enforcement. “They’re unable to even recognize the chaos that they’re creating,” Kanitra said. “You kind of reap what you sow.”
State Senator Mike Testa, also a Republican, echoed these concerns, noting that counties such as Cape May and Monmouth had unsuccessfully sought to participate in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. “I think it has only emboldened illegal aliens to engage in illegal behavior,” Testa said. He described the Acura driver’s actions as lawless, pointing out that the suspect fled a lawful stop by federal authorities before causing injury.
Governor Sherrill, who took office in January, signed legislation on March 25 that codified New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive. The policy generally prohibits state and local law enforcement from detaining, questioning, or arresting individuals solely based on immigration status and limits voluntary involvement in federal civil immigration operations.
Supporters of the sanctuary policies argue they build trust between immigrant communities and local police, encouraging cooperation in criminal investigations without fear of immigration consequences. However, opponents maintain that such policies undermine public safety and impede federal law enforcement efforts, highlighting incidents like the recent crash as examples.
The debate over New Jersey’s sanctuary policies remains contentious as officials weigh concerns about public safety alongside the rights and protections of immigrant populations.