Brian Varela (NJ-07) Speaks Out Against Planned ICE Detainee Processing Facility in Roxbury, NJ; Vows to Fight Back

Morris County, NJ (December 30, 2025) - Today, Brian Varela, a Democrat running for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, released the following statement in response to national reports of ICE plans to build a detainee processing facility in Roxbury, NJ, which is in NJ-07:

“I am appalled and disgusted with reports that ICE plans to expand its cruel and divisive agenda by roping in our congressional district to be part of its inhumane plan of mass abductions and lawless racism. While we should target violent criminals, ICE has created fear, confusion, and chaos in our communities, tackling and detaining innocent people in their commutes to work and ripping apart entire families. I’m going to fight with everything I have to keep ICE out of our district. This issue is personal to me because I know that any member of my family could be their next target, despite being U.S. citizens. This isn’t who we are as Americans.”

“ICE is not making any of us safer, and is in fact only terrorizing hardworking people who tirelessly contribute to our country. This is why I am running for Congress, to be the voice for the people in NJ-7 who do not want to have this chaos in our backyards. Roxbury, like the rest of NJ-7, wants a leader who will fight back against Trump, his minion appointees, and their cruel policies. We must rebuild an immigration system that balances fairness, safety, and humanity.”

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About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 36-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.