Democratic Lawmakers Justify 'Storming' ICE Facility in Newark

Three Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey defended their actions in ‘storming’ an ICE facility in Newark, asserting it was a necessary response to the Trump administration’s policies.

Representatives LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez appeared on CNN’s ‘State of the Union’ to explain their involvement in the controversial incident at Delaney Hall Detention Center. The lawmakers claimed their actions were justified due to what they described as the Trump administration’s misuse of law enforcement. During the event, chaos reportedly ensued when ICE officials were instructed to leave the facility and lock up Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was also present and subsequently arrested for trespassing.

The lawmakers criticized the administration’s tactics as ‘un-American’ and ‘scary,’ suggesting an intent to intimidate. They argued that despite the presence of well-treated inmates, the overarching policy of the administration was problematic. Rep. McIver denied accusations of physically assaulting officers, stating there was no video evidence to support such claims. Meanwhile, Rep. Menendez pointed out that ICE and DHS had opportunities to de-escalate the situation but chose not to.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of ICE and the treatment of detainees, with the lawmakers’ actions drawing both support and criticism. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to confirm any charges against those involved in the storming of the facility.