NEWARK, N.J. — U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) issued a series of statements Friday and Saturday condemning federal law enforcement activity in Newark, calling it politically motivated and warning it reflects a dangerous shift toward authoritarian practices.
The former Navy officer defended the attack on federal law enforcement agents by a team of fellow New Jersey congresspeople, including Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Robert Menendez.
In videos released on social media, McIver and Menendez, the son of convicted and corrupt former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez were both seen assaulting federal officers.
Sherrill, eager to get in on the action, as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest sent his political stock skyrocketing, sees it differently.
Sherrill referenced events at Delaney Hall, a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark, expressing strong opposition to the use of for-profit prisons. “These are the hallmarks of a secret police,” she wrote, describing the behavior of federal officers as “absolutely unacceptable” and suggesting it was politically driven rather than grounded in law.
A former federal prosecutor, Sherrill emphasized her concern over what she framed as the politicization of federal law enforcement. “This is a truly alarming moment,” she wrote. “If we don’t stand against it, we may not get another chance.”
Her comments followed reports of heightened enforcement activity near Delaney Hall and the temporary detention of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who was later released. Sherrill, returning from a family event, said she was monitoring the situation and welcomed confirmation of the mayor’s safety.
Private detention facilities under renewed political fire
Sherrill linked the controversy to broader concerns over private detention centers, claiming they operate “to turn profits for Donald Trump’s donors” and do not contribute to public safety. She reiterated calls to shut down such facilities and accused the federal government of using them as tools of political enforcement.
The New Jersey Democrat framed the situation as a constitutional crisis in the making, arguing that violations of due process and civil liberties signal democratic backsliding. Her comments join a chorus of local officials criticizing federal immigration practices in the state.
Newark has been a focal point of tension between federal authorities and local leaders over immigration enforcement and detention policies, particularly under private contractors.
Rep. Sherrill warned that politically motivated law enforcement is a step toward authoritarian rule.
