Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem reported that three Democrats requested the department to condemn actions described as felonies at an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, New Jersey, last week.
In response, Noem addressed the Democrats, who characterized their visit as merely “surveillance,” stating to Fox News, “We didn’t overlook this. This was criminal behavior. It was an attack on individuals upholding the law, and it was truly shocking.”
Noem expressed disbelief at the behavior of Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (D-NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Ramonica McQuiver (D-NJ), calling their actions illegal.
During her testimony before a Congressional Committee on Wednesday, Noem labeled the incident at Delaney Hall Detention Center as a “political stunt” endangering law enforcement and detainees.
She detailed, “As their vehicle neared the security gates, a group of protesters, including three Congress members, rushed in and breached the facility.”
Noem continued, “We have video of these members of Congress physically confronting law enforcement, pushing them aside, shouting obscenities, and assaulting officers.”
She stated, “Their actions were unlawful. Congress members should not be entering detention centers or federal buildings.”
Noem also noted, “These members were requesting tours,” and emphasized that visiting these centers had always been permitted for committees.
Furthermore, she reminded the committee that many detainees are “murderers, rapists, known terrorists, members of the MS-13 gang, drug traffickers, and other dangerous criminals.”
“We expect the rest of the House to hold them responsible,” Noem remarked to Fox News on Tuesday.
“They shouldn’t be allowed to remain on their committee. One of them, [McIver],” Noem added.
“They are undeserving of their positions. They need to be held accountable,” she concluded.
