Markwayne Mullin attacks Dems over Memorial Day ICE protest, calls claims about facility 'garbage'

NEWARK, NJ: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has ignited a fierce political war, blasting Senator Cory Booker and New Jersey Democrats over a chaotic Memorial Day weekend protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center.

The high-conflict clash erupted after demonstrators attempted to form a human chain around the Newark facility, triggering physical skirmishes with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who ultimately detained several individuals.

Mullin fiercely rebuked his former legislative colleagues on the social platform X, aggressively defending federal agents while branding the lawmakers' public demands as calculated theatrical maneuvers.

"This is nothing more than a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians for fundraising clicks," Mullin declared.

He directly accused the Democratic contingent of protecting dangerous offenders rather than supporting sovereign enforcement networks, stating they should thank federal officers for removing violent criminals from their communities.

Federal authorities block congressional oversight attempts

The confrontation escalated significantly when Governor Mikie Sherrill arrived at Delaney Hall to conduct an unannounced oversight inspection, citing heartbreaking reports of unsafe and unconstitutional treatment.

Federal officials flatly refused her entry at the perimeter. 

Sherrill posted that the denial raised profound questions regarding what the agency is actively trying to hide from public view.

Representative Rob Menendez similarly revealed he spent the entire night staging a vigil outside the facility doors after being blocked from assessing a constituent targeted for deportation following a recent detainee strike.

Administration disputes allegations of systemic abuse

Booker quickly rallied behind the local investigators, vowing to return to the Newark complex while publicly characterizing internal conditions as absolutely deplorable.

Mullin shot back against the allegations, explicitly writing that there is no active hunger strike and no subprime treatment occurring within the facility.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a formal statement verifying that certified dietitians continuously evaluate all provided meals.

The agency maintained that detainees are systematically supplied with clean water, medical access, and phone privileges, asserting that ICE maintains rigid detention standards that exceed most conventional American domestic prisons.

Protesters form human chain outside facility

The ongoing stand-off has deeply split local onlookers as activists face off against federal line officers. Crowds of demonstrators gathered outside the gates, chanting "No more ICE!" and "Free them all!" while demanding an immediate freeze on regional deportation flights.

The explosive rhetoric highlights a widening institutional rift between the Trump administration's aggressive domestic enforcement matrix and local sanctuary state officials who reject federal immigration control.