Three Democratic lawmakers are facing serious consequences after a tense encounter at a New Jersey immigration detention center. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced a resolution on Monday calling for the removal of Representatives Robert Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver from their influential House committee assignments.
If the resolution moves forward, Watson Coleman could be removed from the Appropriations Committee, Menendez from Energy and Commerce, and McIver from both Homeland Security and Small Business.
The controversy began earlier this month when the three lawmakers joined Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility — a private ICE center that holds immigrants, some of whom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says are tied to violent crimes and gangs like MS-13.
What started as a protest quickly escalated. According to DHS, the group entered the facility during a detainee transport, breached security gates, and disrupted operations. ICE officials said the scene turned dangerous and at least one officer was reportedly assaulted. Video footage appears to show McIver trying to push past officers while dressed in a red blazer.
Mayor Baraka was later arrested for trespassing. The incident has sparked strong reactions from Republican leaders, who argue that the lawmakers’ actions showed disregard for federal law enforcement.
“The radical left would rather storm an ICE facility in support of criminal illegal immigrants than focus on helping their constituents,” Carter told Fox News. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law.”
He went on to say that lawmakers involved in the incident should not be allowed to continue serving on important committees alongside members who are working to uphold public safety.
DHS also criticized the lawmakers’ actions, saying they ignored proper protocols. “Members of Congress are not above the law,” a spokesperson said. “Had they requested a tour, we would have gladly arranged one — instead, they created a dangerous situation for our officers and detainees.”
Despite the backlash, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stood by his colleagues. He claimed the lawmakers were right to raise concerns about what he described as an “unauthorized facility,” and pushed back against what he called intimidation by the Trump-aligned administration.
“We will not be silenced,” Jeffries said.
As tensions rise on Capitol Hill, the House will soon decide whether the actions of these three Democrats warrant removal from their committee seats — a move that could have a ripple effect throughout Congress.