Phil Murphy’s suggestion that he might harbor an immigrant at his home and daring the federal government to come get her handed an easy talking point to the Democrat’s foes looking to replace him and generated two days of headlines as the Trump administration tries to start mass deportations.

WASHINGTON — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said Thursday he was not being literal when he appeared to say he was housing an undocumented immigrant in a garage at his residence and taunt federal officials to “try to get her” — remarks that sparked anger from Republicans.