SouthernWorldwide.com – Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has strongly criticized a group of Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker and Governor Mikie Sherrill, for what he termed a “political stunt” during Memorial Day weekend. The Democrats had demanded access to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New Jersey, alleging inhumane conditions.
Mullin, a former Republican senator, took to social media to express his disapproval. He stated that the actions were merely a “political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians for fundraising clicks.”
The controversy unfolded outside a New Jersey detention facility where protesters and authorities clashed. Critics alleged that illegal immigrants were being held in appalling conditions. Governor Sherrill reportedly attempted to gain entry to the facility but was denied. Following this incident, prominent Democrats, including Senator Booker, publicly criticized ICE and the facility on social media.
In a direct rebuttal, Mullin asserted, “There is NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall. There are no subprime conditions.”
He specifically called out Booker, Sherrill, and other New Jersey Democrats, such as Senator Andy Kim and Representatives Rob Menendez and Nellie Pou. Mullin accused them of spending their Memorial Day weekend by “smearing ICE law enforcement.”
Mullin suggested that these politicians should instead be thanking law enforcement for removing dangerous individuals from their state. He highlighted that the individuals being removed included murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and drug traffickers.
“Would these sanctuary politicians like to house these criminals in their homes or have them as neighbors?” Mullin questioned. He urged these politicians to cease spreading what he described as “garbage” and to cooperate in removing criminals from their state.
On Monday, Governor Sherrill posted on X (formerly Twitter) about her attempt to enter Delaney Hall. She stated she had heard “heartbreaking” reports of unsafe and unconstitutional conditions. Sherrill expressed that her request for access was denied that morning, which she felt raised further questions about what was being hidden from public view.
Senator Booker, in response, vowed to return to the ICE facility. He maintained that the conditions there were “deplorable.”
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Representative Rob Menendez also posted about his experience. He stated he had spent the entire night at the ICE facility after arriving to conduct an unannounced oversight visit. This visit was prompted by reports of a constituent facing potential transfer or deportation due to their involvement in a recent strike.
Menendez reported being denied entry but remained on-site throughout the night. He was informed he would be allowed inside at 8 a.m., but ICE continued to deny access. He promised to provide updates and thanked families and volunteers for their solidarity throughout the night.
During the Memorial Day weekend, protesters organized outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. Reports indicate that some protesters threw water and shouted at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Several demonstrators were reportedly detained.
Protesters and onlookers directed their anger at ICE agents, who instructed the crowd to move to a grassy area away from the road. The situation eventually calmed down after agents and protesters stood face-to-face.
Chants of “No more ICE!” and “Free them all!” were heard from the protesters.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement in response to the protests. The statement emphasized that certified dietitians evaluate the meals provided to detainees.
DHS clarified that all detainees receive three meals a day, along with clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and toiletries. The agency also stated that detainees have access to phones to contact their families and lawyers.
Furthermore, DHS asserted that ICE detention standards are higher than those in most U.S. prisons that hold American citizens.
