Congressman Greg Murphy (R-NC) issued a warning on Thursday, suggesting that federal funds for California could be jeopardized if Governor Gavin Newsom proceeds with plans to shield undocumented immigrants from President-elect Donald Trump’s impending deportation efforts.
A draft memo obtained by Politico outlines Newsom’s proposed “Immigrant Support Network Concept”, which would establish regional hubs to connect at-risk individuals and families with services like legal aid, schools, and labor unions.
READ: Montana AG Sues Biden Admin Over Coal Production Ban In Powder River Basin
The plan has sparked heated debate and drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, including Murphy, who accused Newsom of “obstruction of justice” and “aiding and abetting” illegal activity.
Speaking on the matter, Murphy asserted, “We have laws in this country, and no one is above the law—not President Biden, not Vice President Harris, and certainly not Governor Newsom. Newsom’s blatant disregard for federal immigration laws is a slap in the face to hardworking Americans.”
Murphy also criticized California’s fiscal policies, stating, “Newsom’s state is already drowning in debt, with $68 billion in deficits. Now he wants to prioritize those who enter this country illegally over the well-being of his own citizens. If he continues down this path, California’s federal funding could be on the chopping block.”
READ: Publishers And Authors Fight Against Florida Book Ban, Claiming First Amendment Violation
The debate over sanctuary policies is intensifying as migration surges. Recent Census Bureau data reveals that the U.S. added a record 2.8 million migrants between 2023 and 2024, five times the number added in 2019. Many sanctuary states, including California, New York, and Illinois, have seen significant population shifts, with an influx of migrants offsetting the exodus of U.S. citizens to other states.
Murphy argued that the policies of Democratic-led states are politically motivated, designed to influence the Electoral College and shift political power. He pointed to New York as a cautionary tale, saying, “Look at New York City—blue Democrats are finally fighting back against these policies. It’s an attempt to transform the country through illegal methods.”
With President-elect Trump set to take office next month, immigration remains a top priority for his administration. Trump has vowed to enforce stricter deportation measures, leaving states like California bracing for conflict with federal authorities.
READ: Biden Condemns Russian Christmas Day Attacks On Ukraine, Pledges More U.S. Arms Shipments
Murphy warned that Newsom’s actions could have far-reaching consequences. “If California continues to defy federal law, they risk losing critical funding. Newsom’s policies prioritize undocumented immigrants over American citizens, and that is simply unacceptable,” Murphy said.
The tension between the federal government and sanctuary states is likely to escalate as Trump prepares to implement his immigration policies. Meanwhile, Republican leaders, including Murphy, are rallying behind stricter enforcement and exploring ways to hold states accountable for resisting federal mandates.
Governor Newsom’s office has yet to respond to Murphy’s comments, but the political battle over immigration is poised to dominate headlines in the coming months.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.