NEWARK, N.J. — Federal immigration agents conducted a raid on a Newark business Thursday, January 23, sparking backlash from local and federal lawmakers, including Reps. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) and Rob Menendez (NJ-08).
The raid, carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), led to detentions that reportedly involved immigrants, citizens, and a U.S. military veteran, according to McIver. Lawmakers criticized the operation, calling it a violation of constitutional rights and an attack on immigrant communities.
In response, McIver and Menendez, joined by Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding an explanation for the raid and the treatment of those detained.
“The ICE raid that unfolded yesterday was despicable,” McIver stated. “I will keep fighting for the protection of immigrants in the 10th District and nationwide.”
Menendez echoed these sentiments, promising congressional oversight of ICE activities. “We will not rest until everyone who calls this community home is afforded the rights and freedoms they deserve,” he said.