Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

The inhumane conditions at Delaney Hall shock the conscience. The majority of detainees at the facility have no criminal record and are being served rotten food, denied medical care and forcibly confined in unsafe conditions. Donald Trump and his violent mass deportation machine have repeatedly and unlawfully attempted to block Members of Congress from carrying out our oversight responsibilities. At least 48 people have died in immigration custody since the start of this administration. That is unacceptable. 

This week, ICE agents tried to silence Members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation and Governor Mikie Sherrill for doing their job, going so far as to pepper spray United States Senator Andy Kim. Just like we refuse to back down in the wake of the corrupt, politically motivated charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver for conducting oversight, Democrats will not be bullied or intimidated.

Congressional Democrats have fought and won the right to continue our constitutional oversight responsibility over ICE. We will serve as a vigilant check-and-balance on this out-of-control administration.

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