Several House Democrats from New Jersey accused ICE agents of getting "rough" with them during a confrontation Friday outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark. But newly released body-cam footage appears to contradict their claims.
The incident occurred when Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez — joined by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — forced their way through a security gate after it opened to admit a vehicle transporting detainees. The group demanded access and oversight of the facility, which houses criminal illegal aliens.
Baraka, who is also running for governor, was arrested after participating in the breach. ICE officials said the group waited outside the gate, then rushed through once it opened, ignoring security protocols.
On Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security released ICE body-cam footage showing the altercation. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin reported that the video shows Rep. McIver “screaming” at DHS agents, while Rep. LaMonica, wearing red, is seen shoving and elbowing her way past an agent. Rep. Menendez followed close behind.
Despite the footage, the lawmakers insisted they were assaulted, denying that they had “stormed” the facility.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons responded on "Fox & Friends: Weekend," praising the agents for remaining professional. “I’d like very much for someone to say thank you,” he said of the officers who managed the confrontation.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Baraka had also attempted to block access to the facility by parking a bulldozer in front of the gate.