TL;DR: The New Jersey State Police’s choice to prioritize the apprehension of 77-year-old Assata Shakur, a fugitive living in Cuba, prompts concerns regarding the allocation of resources amidst critical issues within the state. With notable racial wealth gaps, educational deficiencies, crumbling infrastructure, health disparities, and housing crises, many contend that New Jersey ought to concentrate on tackling these pressing local matters rather than pursuing a decades-old case.
New Jersey’s Most Wanted: A Controversial Move
On May 12, the New Jersey State Police revealed their 2025 “Most Wanted” list, featuring Assata Shakur—previously known as Joanne Chesimard—who has resided in Cuba since 1984. This move, which offers a striking $2 million reward for her capture, has attracted attention and ignited discussions about law enforcement priorities. Shakur’s contentious background includes her conviction for the 1973 killing of state trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike.
The Background on Assata Shakur
Assata Shakur was found guilty of first-degree murder in 1977 and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, she escaped in 1979 and has since been living in Cuba, granted political asylum. Shakur’s stay in Cuba has been a longstanding point of dispute, with organizations like the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association calling for her return, claiming that her ongoing asylum is an insult to the victims and their families.
Despite the considerable reward and the attention surrounding Shakur, the lingering question is: Is this the most effective use of resources for a state confronting multiple internal challenges?
Critical Issues in New Jersey
While the New Jersey State Police concentrate on searching for Shakur, the state faces several significant societal challenges that demand immediate attention and resources.
Racial Wealth and Income Disparities
New Jersey is recognized for its affluence, yet it displays some of the most marked racial wealth disparities in the nation. Data from the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ) indicates that white households have a median wealth of $662,500, while Black and Latina/o households manage with less than $20,000. Additionally, income disparities are evident, with median household incomes at $110,100 for white families contrasting with $76,100 and $68,900 for Latina/o and Black families, respectively.
Educational Segregation and Disparities
The state’s public schools are significantly segregated, leading many minority students to attend underperforming schools. Statistics from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) highlight persistent educational gaps, especially in districts with predominantly Black and Hispanic enrollment, which lag far behind their counterparts in mostly white districts.
Deteriorating Infrastructure
New Jersey’s infrastructure is in poor condition, costing drivers an average of $713 each year due to substandard road quality. Alarmingly, 7.8% of the state’s bridges are considered structurally deficient. Furthermore, updating water systems is estimated to require $8.6 billion, while refurbishing school facilities demands an additional $1.58 billion.
Health Disparities
Health results in New Jersey also expose stark racial inequalities. Black and Latina/o residents experience elevated uninsured rates, heightening their vulnerability to health emergencies. Black residents are significantly more likely than their white counterparts to lack health insurance, while Latina/os are six times more likely to be uninsured. The state also grapples with a concerning maternal mortality rate, with Black mothers facing a sevenfold higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications compared to white mothers.
Housing Instability
Housing insecurity is yet another pressing concern, disproportionately impacting minorities and low-income families. Black and Hispanic residents are twice as likely as their white and Asian counterparts to encounter challenges related to housing stability, worsening the cycle of poverty and inequality.
Misguided Priorities?
The decision to direct resources towards capturing Assata Shakur, an elderly fugitive in Cuba, highlights the misalignment of priorities within New Jersey’s administration. Advocates contend that the energy and financial resources should be redirected toward resolving contemporary issues—such as economic inequalities, educational disparities, deteriorating infrastructure, healthcare inequalities, and housing challenges—to yield far greater advantages for the state’s populace.
Focusing on historical grievances and international fugitive pursuits while ignoring urgent local issues represents a distorted view of justice and government responsibilities. A truly effective administration should prioritize the immediate needs of its citizens, addressing the barriers that obstruct equitable opportunities and an improved quality of life.
By tackling these pressing challenges, New Jersey could cultivate a more just and equitable society, ultimately making the pursuit of long-gone fugitives a secondary concern in light of immediate realities.
Assata Shakur Tops New Jersey’s Most Wanted List at 77
