Noem slams lawmakers for alleged felony behavior during ICE detention clash

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has spoken out against members of Congress for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers outside a Newark immigration detention center last week. Noem criticized the lawmakers for justifying their actions as an oversight, calling it criminal behavior.

In an appearance on ‘Jesse Watters Prime,’ Noem condemned the lawmakers for their actions, stating, “This wasn’t oversight. This was committing felonies. This was going out and attacking people who stand up for the rule of law. And it was absolutely horrible.” Noem expressed disbelief at the lawmakers’ defense of their actions, particularly their attempts to release individuals from detention centers who have criminal backgrounds, including rapists, murderers, and members of foreign terrorist organizations.

The altercation took place outside ICE’s Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, where U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, all New Jersey Democrats, attempted to conduct an oversight visit. The lawmakers and a group of protesters rushed through the gates when an ICE bus entered, bypassing security measures.

Noem questioned the lawmakers’ motives, suggesting that their actions could potentially endanger the safety of law enforcement agents and detainees. She called for the trio to be censured and rebuked by the House of Representatives, emphasizing that they should be held accountable for their actions.

In response to the incident, Coleman denied accusations of attempting to illegally enter the facility, stating that ICE was “out of control.” McIver claimed that the lawmakers had waited for over two hours to gain access for their oversight visit and alleged that they were assaulted by ICE personnel.

McIver emphasized the importance of congressional oversight and criticized ICE for creating chaos instead of facilitating their visit. She highlighted the mistreatment of lawmakers as indicative of potential mistreatment of individuals in detention centers and on the streets.

Noem and other officials have called for consequences for the lawmakers’ actions, emphasizing the need for accountability and upholding the rule of law. The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about the actions of lawmakers in their oversight responsibilities.