02/17/2026
Greg Coughlin disrupted a Republican assemblyman's speech by cutting off his microphone, potentially infringing upon his right to free speech and silencing the voices of his constituents, raising concerns about authoritarian tendencies.
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Democrats cut microphone on NJ lawmaker pressing questions about $7 billion in immigration spending: TRENTON, N.J. – A heated exchange erupted inside a New Jersey Assembly committee this week when Republican Assemblyman Paul Kanitra’s microphone was shut off mid-question as he pressed officials about state-funded legal aid for undocumented immigrants.
During the debate, Democratic leaders mocked residents in Kanitra’s 11th district, which encompasses Brick Township, Toms River Township, and parts of the Jersey Shore.
Kanitra, who represents the 10th Legislative District along the Jersey Shore, said the move silenced his constituents and stifled debate on how taxpayer dollars are being spent. The confrontation took place during a Public Safety and Preparedness Committee hearing, where Kanitra questioned state officials about millions of dollars allegedly directed toward nonprofit groups defending undocumented immigrants facing deportation.
The Chairman talked crap about my hometown, shut my mic off and took away my right to question witnesses during yesterday’s disastrous illegal immigration hearing.
They want to keep the truth from getting out about your tax dollars being funneled to non-profits that protect… pic.twitter.com/V90BkSYDHm— Assemblyman Paul Kanitra () February 13, 2026
During the tense back-and-forth, Kanitra attempted to ask follow-up questions about the state’s reported $7 billion in immigration-related costs. Before he could finish, the Democratic committee chair declared him out of order and instructed staff to cut his microphone, ending his line of questioning.
“I was getting too close to the truth,” Kanitra said afterward in a video statement. “I represent a quarter million people, and my microphone was shut off because Democrats didn’t want answers.”
Kanitra issues statement
The Chairman talked crap about my hometown, shut my mic off and took away my right to question witnesses during yesterday’s disastrous illegal immigration hearing. They want to keep the truth from getting out about your tax dollars being funneled to non-profits that protect illegals and help them fight deportation. They don’t want you to know that if we send home the 900,000 illegals here, they’ll lose 4 Assembly seats and 2 Congressional seats. Housing will get more affordable. Taxes will drop. They don’t want you to know how the bills they passed yesterday endanger the lives of law enforcement and prioritize criminals over hard working legal residents.
Clash over taxpayer-funded legal defense for immigrants
The incident unfolded as lawmakers debated measures restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Kanitra claimed several nonprofit organizations providing deportation defense are being funded through state grants — a practice he argues lacks transparency and accountability.
The exchange quickly escalated after Kanitra questioned whether any deportations should occur at all, prompting Democratic members to cut him off and declare him out of order.
One lawmaker interjected, saying, “There are no illegal aliens — there are individuals that are undocumented,” before the chair again silenced Kanitra.
* Assemblyman Paul Kanitra’s microphone was shut off during an immigration debate
* He accused Democrats of silencing dissent and blocking transparency
* Democrats defended their authority to maintain order and limit off-topic remarks
Political fallout brewing in Trenton
The incident is already fueling partisan tension in Trenton, where Republicans accuse Democrats of suppressing debate on immigration and public safety. Kanitra has vowed to release full video clips of the exchange and called the moment “a warning sign for the rest of the country.”
Democratic leaders, however, defended the chairman’s decision, saying Kanitra repeatedly ignored procedural rules and strayed off topic. The committee hearing continued after his microphone was disabled.
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