House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has raised concerns about potential consequences for fellow Democrats who confronted federal agents at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. This incident took place last week at Delaney Hall, where tensions escalated between Democratic lawmakers and law enforcement.
During a discussion with Fox News reporter Chad Pergram, Jeffries warned that if any Democrats were arrested or faced sanctions, “they’ll find out,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He described any attempt to arrest these lawmakers as a “red line,” making it clear that Democrats would not be intimidated by such actions. Jeffries criticized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, who suggested that arresting the Democrats was a possibility pending an investigation.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who is also protesting the Delaney Hall facility and is running for governor of New Jersey, was arrested following the incident. According to Alina Habba, the interim U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Baraka committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to leave the ICE detention center.
DHS reported that two House Democrats, Representatives Bonnie Watson-Coleman and Rob Menendez, were also involved in the altercation, allegedly breaking into the facility. While they claimed their actions were part of legitimate oversight, McLaughlin stated that lawmakers must adhere to the facility’s rules, which include providing 24-hour notice before any visit.
In response to the incident, House Republicans have proposed measures to punish the involved Democrats. This includes a censure resolution against Rep. LaMonica McIver, another New Jersey lawmaker present during the protest, and efforts to strip these Democrats of their committee assignments.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) indicated that appropriate action is necessary, referencing video footage from ICE body cameras that captured part of the confrontation. He expressed that it was inappropriate for the lawmakers to act in that manner and that the situation warranted a response.
As the fallout from this incident continues, it highlights the growing tensions between lawmakers and federal agencies regarding immigration enforcement and oversight.