Morris County Democratic Committee Condemns ICE Expansion in Roxbury, Calls Out CD-7 Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for Silence
Morris County Democratic Committee Condemns ICE Expansion in Roxbury, Calls Out CD-7 Congressman Tom Kean Jr. for Silence
Morris County, NJ — The Morris County Democratic Committee strongly condemns the reported purchase of warehouse property in Roxbury, New Jersey, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the construction of a detention facility. This expansion poses a serious threat to our communities, ignores the unanimous opposition of the Roxbury Township Council, and highlights the urgent need for bipartisan leadership that prioritizes public safety over political convenience.
On February 16, more than 500 residents and community members gathered in Roxbury to peacefully protest the then-proposed federal detention facility, demonstrating the depth of local opposition to ICE’s planned buildout. Families, workers, faith leaders, and neighbors made their voices heard, not as partisans, but as citizens united in defense of community safety, transparency, and human dignity. This significant turnout underscores the urgent disconnect between the people of Morris County, the Trump administration, and elected officials in New Jersey who remain silent or dismissive in the face of overwhelming public concern.
We are particularly alarmed, if not surprised, by the inaction of Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who has repeatedly failed to speak out against ICE’s expansion in Morris County. Kean’s apathy effectively signals approval of ICE’s overreach and the continuing abandonment of his responsibility to represent the full interests of his constituents.
Also concerning is the passivity of LD24 leaders Asw. Dawn Fantasia and Asm. Mike Inganamort and State Senator Parker Space in opposing this facility. Fantasia is also on record publicly defending ICE operations and criticizing Governor Mikie Sherrill’s executive order limiting ICE action on state property.
"ICE detention facilities absolutely should not be built in our neighborhoods, and those who defend or ignore this expansion must be held accountable,” said MCDC Chair Darcy Draeger. “If dodging responsibility were a Winter Olympic sport, Kean Jr. would take gold, slaloming past his dissenting constituents while allowing ICE to slide into Roxbury."
MCDC calls on Kean Jr., Fantasia, Inganamort, and Space to publicly oppose the ICE detention facility, work with Governor Sherrill, and to stand with Morris County residents against this reckless expansion.
