BREAKING UPDATE: ICE Criticizes Governor Murphy’s Immigration Policies After Illegal Immigrant Kills Mother and Daughter in Lakewood

In a shocking and tragic turn of events, ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has publicly criticized the immigration policies of Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey after an illegal immigrant allegedly killed a mother and her daughter in Lakewood, New Jersey. The incident, which has rocked the local community, has ignited a heated debate over immigration policies, community safety, and the consequences of relaxed sanctuary state laws in Democratic-led states.

On the morning of August 14, Lakewood, a predominantly Orthodox Jewish community, was rocked by the brutal murder of Ruth Segal (39) and her 14-year-old daughter Hannah Segal. According to authorities, Victor Hugo (45), an illegal immigrant from

Mexico, is accused of attacking and killing Ruth and her daughter inside their apartment. The shocking nature of the crime, along with the revelation that the suspect was in the country illegally, has brought the issue of immigration enforcement to the forefront of the national conversation once again.

The Gruesome Murder and the Growing Crisis

The tragic murder took place early in the morning, around 4 a.m., when police received an emergency call reporting a violent altercation. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found Ruth and her daughter fatally wounded in their apartment. Victor Hugo, the suspect, fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities. The news of the killings, especially the involvement of an illegal immigrant, has sparked outrage among local residents and law enforcement.

What makes this case even more controversial is the fact that Hugo had previously been arrested and deported from the U.S. but managed to return without permission. According to ICE, Hugo was in the U.S. illegally and had multiple prior encounters with law enforcement. This incident has underscored concerns about the effectiveness of New Jersey’s sanctuary state policies, which limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement agencies.

Immediately after the murder, ICE issued a strong statement criticizing Governor Murphy and his administration’s immigration stance. “This tragic event is a direct result of the sanctuary policies that Governor Murphy has implemented, which are designed to shield illegal immigrants from the law,” said Tom Homan, former ICE Director. “Governor Murphy’s policies are putting innocent lives at risk by allowing dangerous individuals to roam freely in our communities.”

Governor Murphy Defends His Policies

In response to the criticism, Governor Phil Murphy defended his administration’s policies, reiterating his commitment to protecting the rights of immigrants. Murphy has been a vocal advocate for immigrant communities throughout his tenure as governor, and his policies have reflected that stance. In a public statement, Murphy expressed his condolences to the victims’ families but also emphasized the need for fairness and compassion in dealing with immigrants.

“Our immigration policies are rooted in compassion and fairness. New Jersey is committed to being a safe haven for those seeking a better life,” Murphy said in a press conference. “While we mourn the loss of Ruth and Hannah, we must not allow fear to guide our policy decisions. Every individual, regardless of their background, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

However, Murphy’s defense of his policies has been met with sharp criticism from both ICE and local law enforcement. Many argue that sanctuary policies are not only enabling illegal immigrants to remain in the country but are also making it harder for authorities to protect American citizens from potential threats.

ICE’s Call for Change and Growing Tensions

The debate over immigration policies has reached a boiling point, with ICE calling for significant changes to the way New Jersey handles illegal immigration. In their statement, ICE officials emphasized the need for better coordination between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities to ensure that dangerous individuals are removed from the community before they can cause harm.

“This is the tragic outcome of policies that shield dangerous criminals from being deported,” said Matthew Albence, former ICE Acting Director. “We cannot allow sanctuary policies to put the lives of innocent people in jeopardy. Governor Murphy’s policies are emboldening illegal immigrants, and this is the tragic result.”

Local law enforcement agencies, including the Lakewood Police Department, have also expressed frustration with New Jersey’s sanctuary policies. They argue that the inability to work directly with federal immigration authorities has made it more difficult to remove illegal immigrants from their communities, especially those with criminal histories.

“We are all working to keep this community safe, but policies like these tie our hands,” said Officer John Matthews of the Lakewood Police Department. “We need to work together with ICE to ensure that people who break the law, especially violent criminals, are held accountable.”

Public Outcry and Social Media Reactions

The public’s reaction to the murder and the political debate surrounding it has been swift and intense. On social media, the hashtag #ProtectOurCommunities quickly gained traction as people expressed their outrage over the incident and the role of sanctuary policies in enabling illegal immigrants to commit crimes. Many social media users have called for stricter immigration enforcement and a reevaluation of sanctuary state policies.

“This is absolutely unacceptable,” one Twitter user wrote. “Sanctuary policies like Murphy’s are putting lives at risk. It’s time for change, and we need to start by holding politicians accountable.”

Others have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the policies should be reformed to allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate more effectively with federal authorities. “It’s about keeping our communities safe. We need to prioritize the safety of our families over politics,” said another Twitter user.

On the other hand, advocates for immigrant rights have rallied in support of Governor Murphy, arguing that the incident should not be used as an excuse to vilify all immigrants, particularly those who are law-abiding and seeking asylum.

“This is an isolated incident, and it should not be used to attack the entire immigrant community,” said Rosa Garcia, a spokesperson for an immigrant advocacy group. “We need policies that support immigrants, not tear them down.”

The Future of Immigration Policy in New Jersey

The tragic murder in Lakewood has reignited the ongoing debate about immigration policies in New Jersey and across the United States. While Governor Murphy has doubled down on his stance, the pressure from ICE, local law enforcement, and public opinion is mounting. The incident has brought to light the challenges and risks associated with sanctuary policies and has prompted calls for reform.

As New Jersey lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session, it is clear that the issue of immigration policy will continue to be a contentious topic. The question remains: Will Governor Murphy reconsider his sanctuary policies in light of the tragic events in Lakewood, or will he continue to advocate for the rights of immigrants at the expense of community safety?

The future of immigration policy in New Jersey may very well hinge on the outcome of this debate, as both sides continue to argue over the best way to balance compassion with public safety. For now, the residents of Lakewood and the families affected by this tragedy are left to cope with the devastating consequences of a crime that might have been prevented under different circumstances.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear — the impact of this tragedy will reverberate far beyond the confines of Lakewood, challenging the very foundation of immigration policies in New Jersey and the United States as a whole.

The devastating crash in Lakewood that claimed the lives of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter has renewed criticism of New Jersey’s sanctuary policies and prompted sharp rebuke from federal officials toward Governor Phil Murphy’s administration.

The driver, identified as Raul Luna Perez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, was arrested on July 27, 2025, after allegedly crossing into oncoming traffic and striking another vehicle head-on. He was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of assault. A second child in the car was hospitalized with injuries.

Federal immigration officials say the tragedy could have been prevented.

Perez had a history of arrests in New Jersey:

June 25, 2023 – Arrested by Red Bank Police for domestic violence

March 20, 2025 – Arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)

April 17, 2025 – Arrested for a second DUI

Despite these charges, Perez was released back into the community each time. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) states that due to New Jersey’s sanctuary policies, local law enforcement did not notify them or honor detainer requests.

On July 28, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Perez and initiated removal proceedings while he remains in custody on the vehicular homicide charges.

In a strongly worded statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said:

“Governor Murphy and his sanctuary policies released this serial criminal into New Jersey communities. Now, this innocent family is shattered by their failed leadership. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to do everything in their power to remove these criminal illegal aliens before they destroy more lives.”