Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39), a long-serving member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the proposal by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from enforcing the law in New Jersey courthouses.

“Chief Justice Rabner’s proposal to preclude ICE agents from enforcing the law in our courthouses is wrong-headed and misses the mark. What should be obvious is that making our courts a sanctuary for illegals of any sort undermines the rule of law.

“In this case, the chief justice is not merely suggesting that witnesses that may be undocumented have sanctuary in our courthouses. He also suggests sanctuary for those who have committed serious crimes, in addition to being in this country illegally.

“Does being an illegal immigrant make one immune from our laws?

“I have voted in support of the Senate confirmation for Mr. Rabner to be our state’s attorney general, and for his role on the New Jersey Supreme Court. He’s a talented public servant, but for some reason, like so many others, he’s willing to give a pass to hardened criminals if they happen to be illegals. This is insane.

“His point about illegals being unwilling to testify if they may be subject to the rule of law is not a new problem for our justice system. Immunity deals are often provided to witnesses whose testimony might otherwise subject them to legal liability. We simply could extend that principle to witnesses who are themselves illegal, but not to gang members, rapists and the like. That simple solution is not what is being suggested.

“I suspect there is a mindset that seeks to make heroes of illegals. Is it their illegal votes that a certain political party, of which the chief justice is a member, is intent on facilitating? I thought he was supposed to leave politics behind once he put on his robe.”