New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill says her administration is working to assist state residents stranded in the Middle East following widespread flight suspensions triggered by the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Sherrill said her office has been in contact with New Jersey residents currently in the region and is urging them to enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which provides travelers with security updates and emergency communications from U.S. embassies and consulates.
According to the governor, state officials are also coordinating with the United States Department of State and the White House while working with members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation to secure assistance for residents attempting to leave the region.
The State Department has begun arranging charter flights and exploring other transportation options to help Americans depart after fighting in the region forced airlines to cancel flights and close portions of regional airspace.
Sherrill, who previously served nearly a decade in the U.S. Navy during the Global War on Terror and later on the United States House Armed Services Committee, criticized the federal government’s response, arguing that officials should have acted sooner to warn Americans traveling in the region.
“I served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 10 years during the Global War on Terror and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee in Congress. I know how important it is to go into any military action prepared and with a plan,” Sherrill said in a statement.
“But instead of taking decisive steps to protect American citizens abroad, this administration was slow to provide proactive notifications or adjust travel warnings until many were already in a dangerous situation,” she added. “This lack of clear, early communication has left many families stranded, frustrated and potentially in danger.”
The governor did not specify how many New Jersey residents are currently stranded in the region. Federal officials have said they are continuing efforts to help Americans depart as fighting and security concerns disrupt commercial air travel across parts of the Middle East.