Democrat Trashes Trump’s ICE

Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., is stepping up his criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after visiting a New Jersey detention center where several detainee deaths have fueled questions about medical treatment and taxpayer-funded operations.

Kim visited Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark, on Thursday and said detainees raised complaints about prescription medications, medical care and access to attorneys.

The Democratic senator’s accusations come as the Trump administration continues emphasizing immigration enforcement and border security, two issues that remain major priorities for many Republican voters.

ICE and GEO Group, the private company operating Delaney Hall, have previously defended their handling of medical care and the recent deaths connected to the facility.

Kim Raises Medical Care Concerns at ICE Facility

Following his visit, Kim said several detainees claimed they were having difficulty obtaining prescription medications or receiving adequate treatment.

“The first thing is that the detainees are continuing to raise concerns about the lack of medical care, about not getting the prescription medication,” Kim said.

According to the senator, some detainees told him they were experiencing significant pain. Kim said one man became emotional while discussing his condition.

Kim said he brought specific cases directly to the facility’s on-site physician.

The allegations have not ended the disagreement over conditions inside Delaney Hall. Facility officials have maintained that medical services are being provided, while Kim continues to question whether detainees are receiving appropriate treatment.

Recent Detainee Deaths Draw Scrutiny

The controversy has intensified following at least three deaths involving detainees connected to Delaney Hall since December 2025.

Jean Wilson Brutus, 41, died in December after suffering a medical emergency approximately one day after arriving at the detention facility.

An unidentified male detainee died in late July 2026 after reportedly suffering a seizure.

Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, 41, died on Aug. 1, prompting lawmakers to raise additional questions about whether the medical treatment he received was adequate.

The deaths have drawn criticism from members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation and prompted an investigation by the New Jersey attorney general.

An investigation does not establish wrongdoing, and the circumstances surrounding each death must be evaluated individually.

ICE Pushes Back on Responsibility

Kim said ICE officials maintain that appropriate steps were taken in the cases he questioned, including sending detainees to outside hospitals when additional treatment was required.

The senator argued that transferring someone to a hospital does not necessarily end the government’s responsibility for the person’s care.

“I just find that to be absurd and ridiculous and disgraceful,” Kim said.

That remains Kim’s characterization of ICE’s response. ICE and GEO Group have previously defended their medical practices and handling of detainees.

The distinction is important as investigators examine what happened and whether established medical procedures were followed.

Taxpayer Money Becomes Part of the Debate

Kim also raised an issue likely to attract attention beyond the immigration debate: how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

Delaney Hall is operated by GEO Group under a federal contract, meaning American taxpayers ultimately help fund operations at the detention facility.

“This is taxpayer dollars. The American people are paying for this facility, and it’s not going to the full care that the detainees need,” Kim said.

“Instead, it’s going into the pockets of GEO Group.”

That is Kim’s allegation, not an established finding of financial misconduct.

For taxpayers, the broader question is straightforward: Are private contractors receiving federal money delivering the services required under their agreements?

Supporters of strict immigration enforcement can favor strong ICE operations while still demanding accountability for how federal contractors spend public money.

Detainees Report Problems Accessing Lawyers

Kim said detainees also complained about difficulties getting attorneys into Delaney Hall.

Access to legal counsel can play an important role in immigration proceedings, particularly when detainees are challenging removal, seeking relief or navigating complicated federal immigration rules.

Kim said he plans to continue pursuing both the medical-care complaints and concerns surrounding attorney access.

Kim Says He Wants ICE Out of New Jersey

The senator went considerably further than calling for reforms at Delaney Hall.

Kim said he opposes ICE operating in New Jersey altogether.

“We just don’t want Delaney Hall here in New Jersey. We don’t want ICE here in our state, and this is something I’m going to continue to fight against,” Kim said.

That position highlights a much larger political divide.

Republicans and supporters of President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda generally argue that ICE needs detention capacity to enforce federal immigration law, detain certain individuals facing immigration proceedings and carry out lawful removal orders.

Critics such as Kim argue that the current system creates unacceptable humanitarian and accountability concerns.

Immigration Enforcement Meets Government Accountability

The controversy surrounding Delaney Hall ultimately involves two questions that should not be confused.

The first is whether the United States should vigorously enforce its immigration laws.

The second is whether government agencies and private contractors carrying out those laws are meeting their obligations to taxpayers and people in federal custody.

Americans can support tougher border security and immigration enforcement while also expecting transparency, responsible spending and appropriate medical standards inside federally funded detention facilities.

With several deaths drawing scrutiny and New Jersey officials examining conditions at Delaney Hall, the facility is likely to remain a flashpoint in the broader national battle over immigration enforcement, government accountability and the Trump administration’s policies.