Democratic lawmakers support the raid on ICE facility

Democrats Criticize ICE Operations in New Jersey

A group of three Democratic lawmakers voiced their concerns over recent actions taken by ICE in New Jersey, suggesting that the operations led by President Donald Trump’s administration have crossed ethical boundaries.

In an appearance on CNN’s “The State of the Union,” New Jersey representatives Ramonica McQuiver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez shared their reflections. Coleman recounted a chaotic scene where ICE officers were allegedly instructed to evacuate a facility and confront local authorities, describing it as a direct threat to citizens. She stated, “It’s really alarming; it feels like they’re trying to intimidate the population.”

The lawmakers had visited the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, where tensions escalated. Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested amid allegations of trespassing while ICE agents reportedly faced hostility. Video footage captured some of the confrontation.

McQuiver responded to claims from the Department of Homeland Security that she denounced law enforcement during the incident. “Honestly, I don’t see how anyone could interpret the situation that way—there’s no evidence supporting it,” she remarked, addressing criticisms during a CNN interview.

Menendez emphasized the role of ICE and law enforcement in managing the situation and expressed disbelief that it had spiraled to that extent, adding that it should alarm everyday Americans.

Despite their opposition to the detention practices, the lawmakers admitted witnessing reasonable living conditions for inmates at the facility. However, they remained resolute in condemning the techniques employed by ICE. At a press event, McQuiver recounted her experience of being allegedly assaulted, claiming that multiple ICE officers were involved.