Press Releases

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Van Drew sent a letter to Governor Sherrill calling on her to bring New Jersey State Police back to Delaney Hall ICE facility to work with local law enforcement and restore order.

"We are a nation of laws, and this is America," said Congressman Van Drew. "What we have seen outside Delaney Hall has been more like anarchy than peaceful protests. Peaceful demonstrations are the spirit of America. Violence and chaos are not. When protests turn violent, law enforcement must step in and work together. Governor Sherrill made the right call when she brought in State Police to work with Newark police. I was there. People were able to demonstrate peacefully, and the violent individuals were removed. That is exactly how it should work. Now she needs to bring them back. It is bizarre that this violence is being allowed when we have the resources to keep people safe. This is dangerous for the community, dangerous for officers, dangerous for the workers in the facility, and dangerous for the detainees inside. Somebody is going to get seriously hurt.

"Let's be honest. These are not all organic protests. People are coming in from outside the area to manufacture disorder. Whether you agree with ICE or not, state, county, and local officials have a responsibility to keep the peace. Governor Sherrill should bring State Police back, work with law enforcement, and put public safety first."

Click here to read the letter.