Key facts
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with former detainees of Delaney Hall.
- Jeffries stated that Democrats are committed to an "accountability agenda" regarding immigration.
- He emphasized that immigration enforcement should be fair, just, and humane.
- Rep. Analilia Mejia suggested a Democratic majority would use oversight tools for investigations.
- Rep. Nellie Pou called for reforming the immigration system and closing Delaney Hall.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with former detainees of Delaney Hall in Morristown, New Jersey, signaling a commitment to an "accountability agenda" on immigration should Democrats regain a House majority. Jeffries stated that a unified Democratic caucus prioritizes immigration enforcement that is "fair, just and humane."
Jeffries' visit was at the invitation of Rep. Analilia Mejia, who won a special election on a platform of abolishing ICE. Mejia believes a Democratic majority should employ all available oversight tools to investigate detention facilities like Delaney Hall, stating "we would have more bite and reach in what we’re aiming for."
Rep. Nellie Pou, also a New Jersey Democrat, echoed the sentiment, calling for "empowered oversight and real reform leading to the closure of Delaney Hall" to "undo the perversion and warping of our immigration system." The issue of immigration detention facilities and reform is expected to play a role in key House races this November, particularly in New Jersey.