Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement in response to news that Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to open a new detention center at the former Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Treatment Center in Trenton.
“The recent news that ICE is planning to use Trenton as a staging ground for mass deportations is infuriating. As a historic crossroads of the American Revolution, Trenton has a long legacy of resisting tyranny and oppression. New Jersey has always been a home for freedom-loving people working hard to make the best possible life for their families.
“Immigrant Americans move here for the promise of freedoms that we all – Black or white, Latino or Asian, Native or newcomer, cherish. But today, Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans stoke fear against new immigrants to distract us from their agenda, which threatens to raise prices, make cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and let corporations gouge prices.
“By joining together once again, we can reject moves like this that do nothing for everyday people and merely scapegoat those seeking to live the American Dream. New Jerseyans have worked hard to create a safe and welcoming state where anyone who works hard to create a better life can call home.
“This proposal is unacceptable and runs counter to New Jersey values. I reject it and call on community leaders, the Governor, and President Biden to reject it and get to work on creating a fair immigration process that respects all families.”
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Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman has come out strongly against a proposal to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Trenton, New Jersey. The Democratic congresswoman, who represents New Jersey’s 12th congressional district, has voiced her opposition to the plan, citing concerns about the impact it would have on the local community and the individuals who would be detained there.
Watson Coleman has been a vocal critic of ICE and its practices, particularly under the Trump administration. She has spoken out against the agency’s aggressive enforcement tactics and its treatment of immigrants, including reports of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in detention centers across the country.
In a statement released to the press, Watson Coleman expressed her concerns about the proposed detention center in Trenton, stating that it would only serve to further harm immigrant communities in the area. She argued that the facility would not only disrupt the lives of those detained there, but also create fear and uncertainty among immigrant families living in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The congresswoman also raised questions about the need for such a facility in Trenton, pointing out that there are already several ICE detention centers in New Jersey. She suggested that the resources allocated for the proposed center would be better spent on programs and services that support immigrants and help them integrate into their communities.
Watson Coleman’s opposition to the ICE detention center proposal has garnered support from local activists and community members who share her concerns. They have joined her in calling for a more humane and compassionate approach to immigration enforcement, one that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
As the debate over the proposed detention center continues, Watson Coleman remains steadfast in her opposition, vowing to fight against its establishment in Trenton. She is committed to advocating for policies that uphold the values of justice, fairness, and compassion for all individuals, regardless of where they come from.
