Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey, led by Rep. LaMonica McIver and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, engaged in a confrontation with Homeland Security Department officers at an Immigration Customs and Enforcement facility in Newark on Friday. The incident unfolded as they sought to exercise their oversight authority over federal facilities, leading to a physical confrontation with officers as tensions escalated. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was briefly detained during the confrontation, but was released later that evening.
According to the annual appropriations act, lawmakers are permitted to inspect and enter Department of Homeland Security facilities housing aliens without prior notice. Despite this legal authority, a DHS official accused the lawmakers of breaking into the facility and suggested possible charges against them. The lawmakers, including Rep. Watson Coleman, denied the allegations, emphasizing that they had followed proper procedures during their visit.
Following the incident, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the lawmakers for their actions, claiming they had jeopardized the safety of law enforcement agents and detainees. In response, Rep. Watson Coleman refuted the accusations, stating that they had not unlawfully entered the facility.
During a CNN interview, McLaughlin hinted at potential arrests of lawmakers based on ICE footage showing alleged assaults on ICE enforcement officers. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with the possibility of further arrests.
The department later released videos showing the arrest of Baraka, as well as additional footage of altercations involving federal agents, protesters, and members of Congress. In one video, Rep. LaMonica McIver can be seen pushing past agents to follow Baraka after he was handcuffed. Baraka, who is not subject to the appropriations law, was held for a few hours before being released. It remains unclear why he was detained outside the fenced area after leaving the detention center.
Speaking to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Baraka stated, “I didn’t break any laws. I was there as the mayor, supporting our congresspeople for a press conference.” In response to the incident, DHS emphasized on social media, “Just because the border is secure doesn’t mean you can find new walls to climb over, guys.”
CNN’s Shania Shelton contributed to this report. To access more CNN news and newsletters, please register at CNN.com.
