TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- The Republican gubernatorial candidate is calling for a ban on so-called sanctuary cities in New Jersey.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno proposed the measure in a statement issued Monday. She says the idea comes in response to Democratic candidate Phil Murphy suggesting he would favor turning New Jersey into a sanctuary state.

Murphy said in the first debate with Guadagno that "if need be" New Jersey would become a sanctuary state under his administration. Murphy hasn't explicitly defined what he means by sanctuary state, but suggested it entails being "welcoming."

Several New Jersey cities, including Newark, designate themselves sanctuaries.

The term generally refers to local officials' declining to help federal immigration officers in detention and deportation operations. It also includes not detaining illegal immigrants who might be witnesses to crimes.

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