CONTACT: S. Patricia Cabrera (973) 572-8204
Newark, New Jersey – The SEIU NJ State Council finds the indictment and charges against Representative LaMonica McIver to be excessive, unnecessary and harmful to the effective functioning of our Democracy. Representative McIver, as a United States Congresswoman, was exercising her legal authority and oath of office to conduct oversight of the controversial Delaney Hall detention center.
The district she represents is home to a significant immigrant population and it is within her jurisdiction to be concerned for the protection of their legal rights and physical well-being.
In light of the recent disturbances at Delaney Hall, after days of unrest over substandard conditions inside the facility regarding the quality and timeliness of meals and unsanitary conditions due to overcrowding, it is imperative to have responsible and effective oversight and accountability.
We believe this indictment against Ms. Mc Iver to be a shameful and wasteful abuse of government resources in the service of political intimidation by this administration. Sadly, we have seen similar abuses in recent days with the federalizing of the California National Guard and use of active-duty marines in Los Angeles.
Accountability matters, and the Trump administration’s immigration policies are broken. The administration has irresponsibly jettisoned due process, and is locking up large numbers of hardworking people with no criminal record; they even deported a young child, a US citizen, with cancer. Just days ago, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla from California was arrested and received abusive treatment for questioning failing immigration policies and procedures. The administration’s failure to respect due process and the use of federal agents to arrest even sitting members of the U.S. Congress reflect egregiously dangerous steps towards authoritarianism.
We all hold our rights and our freedoms dear. The public is seeking accountability and we as the SEIU NJ State Council support Ms. McIver’s efforts in seeking clarity and accountability on behalf of her constituents and the people of New Jersey.
The SEIU NJ State Council is composed of unions representing service employees across the state, including health care, warehouse, laundry, and school cafeteria workers. Our diverse membership also includes motor vehicle inspectors, resident physicians, and municipal employees in Newark. The council includes 1199 SEIU Healthcare Workers East, Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board of Workers United, The Committee of Interns and Residents, and 32BJ Motor Vehicle Inspectors.