New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver returned to Delaney Hall this week to inspect the ICE detention facility in Newark. She spoke to reporters outside the center and claimed that detainees have spent months without receiving adequate food and healthcare. She said some detainees had described the conditions inside as “torture.”
McIver stated during the press conference, “This is not our first time back here. We’ve been back here multiple times and yet again we are hearing about the brutal conditions inside that people are facing.” She said that after investigating the claims made in a recent “SOS” letter signed by roughly 300 detainees asking for help, she could confirm that most of what they described was “absolutely 100% correct.”
“People are still not getting adequate food. They are not getting adequate medical care,” McIver said. “We have a pregnant woman who is in there, who is in pain right now, who needs medical attention.”
The congresswoman alleged that some detainees who had reportedly agreed to self-deport remain in custody despite requests to leave the United States voluntarily.
During her speech, McIver slammed the Department of Homeland Security and the Trump administration. She claimed their response to detainees’ complaints had been “shameful” and showed they did “not care.” She also accused both of constantly downplaying what immigrants inside the facility were experiencing. “They are lying to you as they always do. They always lie. Everything that comes out their mouth… is pure lies,” she said.
Her statement has drawn strong reactions from netizens after the clip was posted to her official X account.
What People Are Saying About McIver’s Remarks
In the comments under the video, many people argued that McIver should direct the same level of concern toward American citizens rather than immigrant detainees.
One person wrote, “So you’re more concerned with illegal immigrants than US citizens? You shouldn’t be in office.” Another commented, “Why are you fighting for illegal criminal aliens who are harming NJ Citizens? You should be fighting this hard for us American citizens in New Jersey that need help.”
Some netizens also seemed to mock her for it. “Keep up the good fight for illegal invaders! Whatever you do, don’t fight for American citizens.” Someone else said, “Vote Republican to save America.”
A few did not believe the detainees deserved any sympathy. “They entered our country illegally so justice would be immediate deportation,” one comment read. Another remarked, “Nobody murdered by illegals is able to send an SOS letter.”
McIver, a member of the New Jersey Democratic party, has repeatedly spoken out against ICE detention facilities, including Delaney Hall, and has advocated for ICE to be abolished.
