Tensions flared significantly at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark on Friday, leading to accusations of lawmakers “storming” a secure federal site and potentially facing arrest. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that several Democratic members of Congress could be arrested following a physical altercation with ICE officers at the Delaney Hall detention center.
The facility, which reportedly houses dangerous individuals including “MS-13 gang members…rapists, child predators, even a suspected terrorist,” became the scene of a confrontation that began with the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for alleged trespassing.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin, speaking on Fox News, accused Democratic lawmakers and protesters of “storming” the gates. She alleged that the Democrats attempted to help individuals “out of the facility” as a bus carrying detainees was trying to enter. “These Democrat politicians and protesters stormed that gate and got to the first security checkpoint,” McLaughlin stated. “So when you’re seeing any of these people being restrained, it’s because they illegally broke into this facility.”
DHS identified the lawmakers involved as New Jersey Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver. According to DHS, the group rushed inside when the gates opened for the detention bus. McLaughlin emphasized that Delaney Hall, which opened in May, holds “really the worst of the worst,” stressing the critical need for security at such a facility.
McLaughlin further stated that “there will likely be more arrests coming” and confirmed that arresting the involved House Democrats is “definitely on the table” as part of an “ongoing investigation.” She asserted that body camera footage exists showing “these members of Congress assaulting these ICE enforcement officers, including body slamming a female ICE officer.”
She condemned the lawmakers’ actions as a “bizarre political stunt” that jeopardized the safety of law enforcement and detainees, asserting that “Members of Congress also have to follow the law.”
U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, later confirmed that Mayor Baraka “committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center.”
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In stark contrast, the Democratic officials strongly refuted the characterization of their actions, particularly the claim of “storming” the facility.
A spokesperson for Rep. McIver told Axios, “I don’t think that’s a fair characterization. They’re here doing their jobs.” Similarly, Rep. Coleman’s office stated they “arrived at Delaney Hall today at about 1PM to exercise their oversight authority as prescribed by law. After a period of explaining the law to the officials at the site they were escorted in.” Rep. Watson Coleman later directly addressed the DHS claims, stating, “Contrary to a press statement put out by DHS we did not ‘storm’ the detention center.” She also pointed out an initial inaccuracy in DHS statements regarding the number of representatives present.
The Democrats maintain they were the ones who were assaulted by ICE officers. A spokesperson for Rep. Watson Coleman claimed their office reviewed the body camera footage and stated it proves “ICE agents put their hands on Members of Congress… it also proves that DHS has been lying about this incident.” They added, “Nobody was ‘body slammed’, nobody ‘assaulted’ any agents, and this footage confirms that.”
Rep. McIver also said at a press conference that she was “assaulted by multiple ICE officers” while supervisors watched.
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The confrontation reportedly escalated after Mayor Baraka’s arrest for allegedly trespassing. He was reportedly attempting to join the three congressional lawmakers for what their offices described as a scheduled tour or an “oversight visit” to inspect conditions at the newly opened facility operated by the private company GEO Group.
Witnesses and some lawmakers indicated that Mayor Baraka was denied entry because he was not a member of Congress. He then reportedly rejoined protesters on the public side of the gate before being arrested. Rep. McIver asserted that Baraka “did nothing wrong” and was arrested after he had already left the secure area.
DHS, however, maintains that the lawmakers failed to provide advanced notice of their visit, which is standard procedure and would have allowed for a facilitated tour.
McLaughlin countered the Democrats’ actions by stating, “Had they asked to take a tour of that facility, we would have happily facilitated that for them,” adding that the lawmakers did eventually take a tour after the incident.
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The Delaney Hall facility has been a point of contention, with Mayor Baraka and local activists protesting its opening. They cite concerns over a lack of proper city permits and a New Jersey state law, currently under appeal, that aims to ban private immigration detention centers. DHS, however, insists the facility has all necessary permits and has cleared inspections.
Leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), including Chairman Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Vice Chair of Policy Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-8), issued a strong statement accusing the “‘Trump-Vance’ Department of Homeland Security” of leading the country down a “dark path.”
They alleged the members were “accosted by rogue agents” while performing oversight duties and that the department’s “rot… comes straight from the top.” The CHC leaders stated they “will not be intimidated.”
As the investigation continues into the alleged assault on federal officers and illegal entry into a secure facility housing dangerous criminals, the prospect of sitting members of Congress being arrested for actions taken during the protest remains a serious and developing situation.
DHS stands by its account and video evidence, while the lawmakers vehemently dispute the accusations and maintain their actions were lawful oversight.
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