The Cumberland County GOP has released an advertisement criticizing sheriff candidate Bob Austino over what the party describes as his opposition to cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cooperation with ICE has also drawn comments from officials in neighboring Cape May County following a separate crash. Middle Township Patrolman Austin Kapurelos was seriously injured when a vehicle struck him during a traffic stop on Route 47 South on October 16, 2026. The driver faces charges including driving while intoxicated and assault by auto.

Cumberland GOP’s Campaign Advertisement:

In an October 18 statement, Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew said ICE and local officials had confirmed that the driver was in the country unlawfully and had an active ICE detainer. Van Drew called on Cape May County Sheriff Nolan to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in the case.

Austino, during a speech last week, said “When I’m Sheriff, our department won’t cooperate with ICE. It’s un-American what they’re doing and we won’t be cooperating with that” drawing criticism from Republicans.




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