House Democrats Clash With DHS Over ICE Detention Arrests New Jersey

Rep. Robert Garcia criticized the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) expanded budget request for fiscal year 2026, warning that increased funding could escalate the agency's aggressive immigration enforcement, including deporting U.S. citizens and children with serious illnesses without due process. Meanwhile, controversy erupted after three New Jersey House Democrats, including Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, were involved in a physical altercation with ICE agents during a protest at a Newark detention facility. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez threatened DHS officials with a “problem” if they arrested her colleagues, accusing the department of lawbreaking and public intimidation. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the lawmakers' actions as trespassing and assault on federal officers, calling for accountability and emphasizing that members of Congress are not above the law. The incident highlights a sharp partisan divide on immigration enforcement, with Democrats defending protest actions and DHS officials warning of legal consequences. These developments reflect escalating tensions between immigration activists and federal authorities amid the Trump administration's push for increased border security and deportations.