Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin criticized Senator Cory Booker, Governor Mikie Sherrill, and other Democrats for their actions during Memorial Day weekend, which he described as a "political stunt" related to demands for access to a New Jersey U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The facility has been alleged to have inhumane conditions. Mullin, a former Republican senator, expressed his views in a post on X, stating that the actions were for "fundraising clicks."
Protests occurred outside the New Jersey detention facility, where authorities and demonstrators clashed. Sherrill attempted to enter the facility but was denied access. Following this, Democrats rallied in support of Sherrill and criticized ICE on social media. Mullin countered claims of poor conditions at the facility, asserting that there was no hunger strike and that conditions were not substandard.
He also criticized the Democrats for spending Memorial Day weekend criticizing ICE instead of supporting law enforcement. Sherrill and other Democrats, including Booker, expressed their concerns about the facility's conditions, with Booker planning to visit the site again. Menendez reported being denied entry while conducting an oversight visit.
Protesters outside the facility attempted to form a human chain and clashed with ICE agents, leading to several arrests. The Department of Homeland Security responded to the protests by stating that detainees receive adequate meals and access to necessary services. Fox News Digital reached out to the involved parties for comments.