Dem congressional lawmakers rush into ICE facility in New Jersey
The incident that occurred at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, involving the arrest of Mayor Ras Baraka and three members of Congress, has sparked controversy and raised questions about oversight and transparency.
Mayor Baraka was arrested for trespassing at the ICE facility, where Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver attempted to conduct an oversight visit. The lawmakers were held up at the first checkpoint by DHS personnel, who later criticized their actions as a “bizarre political stunt” that put the safety of law enforcement agents and detainees at risk.
During a press conference, Coleman accused ICE of being “out of control,” while McIver stated that they were assaulted by ICE personnel and criticized the lack of transparency at the facility. Menendez described the incident as an “act of intimidation” by ICE officers and emphasized the need for accountability in their actions.
Activists have been demanding entry into the facility to inspect conditions, citing concerns about the treatment of detainees and the lack of proper oversight. The GEO Group, the building’s new owner, has been accused of unlawfully preventing inspections and violating local ordinances.
In response, Mayor Baraka accused GEO Group of disregarding laws and constitutional rights, echoing concerns about transparency and accountability in the facility. The City of Newark filed a lawsuit against GEO Group for failing to permit safety inspections and violating construction codes.
The Department of Homeland Security refuted claims that the facility lacked proper permitting, stating that all necessary inspections and permits had been obtained. The agency defended its actions and emphasized adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
The incident at the ICE detention facility highlights the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the treatment of detainees. Calls for transparency, accountability, and oversight continue to be raised by activists, lawmakers, and community members seeking to ensure the protection of civil rights and human dignity.
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