LETTER: ‘I will stand up to federal overreach’ if elected Jersey City mayor
- Kimberly Mobley
- May 25
- 2 min read
In a recent letter to the editor published by Hudson County View, Jersey City Council President and mayoral candidate Joyce Watterman pledged to "stand up to federal overreach" if elected mayor. This statement comes in response to the U.S. Department of Justice's lawsuit against Jersey City and three other New Jersey municipalities—Newark, Paterson, and Hoboken—over their sanctuary city policies.
Defending Local Values
Watterman criticized the federal government's actions, stating that the lawsuit challenges Jersey City's efforts to protect immigrant families and build trust between local law enforcement and the community. She emphasized that these actions, coupled with proposed federal budget cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, represent a broader assault on the values and well-being of Jersey City residents.
"When the federal government targets our city for upholding compassion and then slashes the lifelines that keep our most vulnerable afloat, it is clear we are being forced to fight battles on multiple fronts," Watterman wrote.
A Call for Resilient Leadership
Highlighting the potential consequences of federal policy changes, Watterman pointed out that cuts to Medicaid and Medicare could force seniors to choose between medicine and groceries and leave working families without access to basic care. She argued that such measures would lead to increased hardship, poorer health outcomes, and greater inequality in Jersey City.
"As Mayor, I will stand up to federal overreach, work to safeguard healthcare access, and ensure our city remains a beacon of inclusion and resilience," she affirmed.
Context of the DOJ Lawsuit
The Department of Justice's lawsuit alleges that the sanctuary policies of Jersey City and the other three municipalities obstruct federal immigration enforcement, violating the U.S. Constitution's supremacy clause. Local officials, including Watterman, have defended these policies, asserting that they uphold state laws and community safety without infringing on federal law.
Looking Ahead
Watterman's stance positions her as a candidate committed to defending local autonomy and protecting vulnerable populations. As the 2025 Jersey City mayoral race progresses, her emphasis on resisting federal overreach and advocating for inclusive policies is likely to resonate with constituents concerned about the impacts of national policies on their community.
For more information, you can read the full letter here: Hudson County View.