BROOKLYN, NY – Today, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and members of the New York and New Jersey Congressional Delegations performed a surprise facility inspection at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Participating members included House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Representative Albio Sires (NJ-08), Representative Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Representative Bill Pascrell (NJ-09) and Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

Rep. Jeffries said: “Donald Trump and Jeff Sessions made a cold-hearted, callous and calculated decision to rip vulnerable children from the arms of their parents. This immoral policy is unacceptable, un-American and unconscionable. Republicans control the House, the Senate and the Presidency. They are solely responsible for staining our democracy and scarring children for life. The so-called President must end this policy now and stop lying to the American people.”

While visiting the facility on Father’s Day, the members, many of whom have children, met with fathers who had been separated from their families at the southern border. They also met with asylum seekers detained at the facility. To ensure the members received an authentic view of the conditions in the facility, no prior notice was given to Immigration and Customs Enforcement of their intention to visit.

The members also participated in a rally outside with constituents, supporters and advocacy groups, including the ACLU of New Jersey, Make the Road New Jersey, the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Make the Road New York, the New York Immigrant Coalition and the New Sanctuary Coalition.

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