Dem lawmakers defend 'storming' of ICE facility

[ad_1] A trio of Democratic lawmakers say they have been justified in "storming" an ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, final week, arguing that President Donald Trump's administration is "weaponizing legislation enforcement."

Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, all Democrats from New Jersey, made the feedback throughout a joint look on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday.

"Chaos ensued when somebody on the cellphone above the leaders of ICE who have been with us at that facility instructed them to exit of the power, go to the non-public property and lock the mayor of the most important metropolis within the state of New Jersey up," Coleman stated.

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"That is absurd. That is un-American. That is scary. That is dedication to intimidate individuals on this nation," she added, claiming the administration is "mendacity in any respect ranges.

The three lawmakers stormed Delaney Corridor Detention Heart in Newark final week in an incident that was caught on video. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was additionally current and was arrested and charged with trespassing. Authorities declare an ICE agent was assaulted within the confrontation, which was caught on digital camera.

McIver additionally responded to accusations from the Department of Homeland Security that she "physique slammed" legislation enforcement officers in the course of the incident.

"I actually have no idea the right way to physique slam anybody. There is no video that helps me physique slamming anybody," she advised CNN's Dana Bash.

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Mendez argued that it was the duty of the ICE officers and different legislation enforcement to make sure the scenario did not get out of hand.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., accused an ICE agent of shoving her in the course of the incident on Friday. (Jemal Countess/Getty Photos for Take Again the Courtroom Motion Fund)

"There have been numerous alternatives for DHS, for ICE to de-escalate the scenario. They selected to not," Menendez stated. "It is one thing that ought to actually shock all People."

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Rep. LaMonica McIver might be seen carrying pink on this screenshot from the physique digital camera footage DHS supplied to Fox Information. (Division of Homeland Safety)

Whereas the lawmakers objected to ICE detentions, additionally they admitted that they noticed proof that the inmates have been well-treated and residing in good circumstances inside the power.

Throughout a press convention after the incident, McIver claimed she was "assaulted by a number of ICE officers whereas regional administrators of ICE watched it occur."

DHS footage posted to X Saturday seems to indicate McIver barreling unprovoked via legislation enforcement close to the gate.

"WATCH: US Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (carrying a pink blazer), storms the gate of Delaney Corridor Detention Heart ASSAULTING an ICE agent," DHS captioned the video.

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DHS officers haven't but confirmed any pending costs in opposition to these accused of storming the middle.

Fox Information' Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox Information Digital overlaying nationwide politics and main breaking information occasions. Ship tricks to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.