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.”