New Jersey State Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger and Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (NJLD13) issued a strong condemnation of several state leaders participating in protests at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark on Memorial Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the estimated 23,000 to 25,000 New Jersey residents who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.
The lawmakers expressed concern over escalating tensions at the facility and questioned the decision by elected officials to participate in a highly charged political demonstration on a day intended to remember fallen American servicemembers:
“New Jersey residents are watching scenes of disorder and confrontation that should concern every citizen who values public safety and lawful conduct,” said Assemblyman Scharfenberger. “There is a significant difference between peaceful protest and conduct that interferes with federal operations or places law enforcement officers in unsafe situations. Political leaders should be working to calm tensions, not fuel them.”
Assemblywoman Flynn said the timing and involvement of high-profile elected officials on Memorial Day sent the wrong message to the public:
“Memorial Day should be devoted to honoring the American heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms,” Flynn said. “Instead, Governor Sherrill, Senator Kim, and others chose to insert themselves into a highly charged political demonstration surrounding a private detention facility that has existed for years under various operators and has faced scrutiny long before it housed ICE detainees.”
“This facility did not suddenly appear overnight,” Flynn continued. “Delaney Hall and similar private detention operations have been the subject of criticism and public concern for many years. It raises the obvious question of where many of these same elected officials were before the facility became a national political talking point tied to immigration enforcement.”
Scharfenberger and Flynn reaffirmed their support for peaceful and lawful expression while emphasizing that intimidation, obstruction, and disorder cannot be tolerated:
“We are still at a loss as to why anti-law enforcement rhetoric became the priority of these officials on such a solemn day,” the lawmakers added. “Security personnel and law enforcement officers perform difficult responsibilities under challenging circumstances. The rule of law must apply equally to everyone, regardless of politics or political connections.”
“The Governor and members of Congress possess significant authority and numerous avenues to pursue policy changes through legislation, oversight, executive action, and the courts,” the lawmakers continued. “There is no need to engage in public spectacles that appear designed more for press coverage and political theater than constructive solutions.”
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