Prominent GOP Rep. Michael McCaul warns that more Democratic lawmakers could face arrest following their ICE facility break-in, as newly released details reveal the detention center houses violent criminals including murderers, MS-13 gang members, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Democratic lawmakers and protesters forcibly entered the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, NJ, where DHS confirms multiple dangerous criminals are being detained
- Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) called potential arrests of Democratic lawmakers “very drastic” but didn’t rule out accountability for obstructing ICE operations
- Video evidence contradicts claims by Rep. LaMonica McIver that ICE officials “shoved” her, instead showing her pushing officials
- The detention facility houses numerous violent offenders including MS-13 gang members, a Brazilian homicide suspect with an INTERPOL Red Notice, and individuals with multiple felony convictions
- The incident highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement priorities and Democratic opposition
Confrontation at ICE Facility Escalates Political Tensions
The political fallout continues to intensify after Democratic lawmakers and protesters stormed the Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey. Republican Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas, while describing potential arrests of Democratic lawmakers as “very drastic,” indicated that such measures remain possible as the Trump administration evaluates its response to what officials call a deliberate obstruction of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The group, which included members of Congress, pursued a bus of detainees and breached the facility during the incident.
The confrontation has quickly developed into a major point of contention between the administration and Democratic lawmakers. President Trump has directed federal agencies to evaluate all available options for holding participants accountable, particularly elected officials who participated in the facility breach. DHS officials emphasized that the detention center houses numerous violent criminals, directly contradicting claims from protesters that the operation was targeting non-violent immigrants.
Violent Criminals Among Detainees, DHS Reports Confirm
Department of Homeland Security officials have released detailed information about several detainees being held at the facility, contradicting narratives that protesters were defending harmless immigrants. Among those detained is Chinchilla Caballero, an MS-13 gang member arrested on April 29. Also being held is Ramos Marin, currently wanted in Brazil for homicide with an active INTERPOL Red Notice. The facility additionally houses Saravia Santamaria, another MS-13 member from El Salvador arrested on May 1.
Further detainees include Adonis Estevez Bello, who has multiple felony convictions and documented gang affiliations, and Maximo Nunez, with various felony arrests on his record. Both were taken into custody on May 5. This information directly challenges claims made by Democratic lawmakers about the purpose and nature of the detention operation, strengthening the administration’s position that the facility serves a critical public safety function.
Video Evidence Contradicts Lawmakers’ Claims
The credibility of allegations made by Democratic lawmakers has been further undermined by video evidence from the scene. Rep. LaMonica McIver claimed that ICE officials “shoved” her and “manhandled” Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman during the confrontation. However, footage from the facility shows McIver pushing officials, not the reverse. This discrepancy has fueled criticism that the entire event was, as some Republican officials described it, a “political stunt” rather than a legitimate protest.
New Jersey Democrats blame ICE for confrontation at Newark facilityhttps://t.co/XxcloiTf6f pic.twitter.com/zcS9I9FVK6
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 12, 2025
The situation represents a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over immigration enforcement policies under President Trump’s administration. While some legal experts question whether arrests of sitting members of Congress would withstand judicial scrutiny, administration officials maintain that no one is above the law when it comes to physically obstructing federal law enforcement operations. The Department of Justice is reportedly reviewing the incident to determine appropriate charges for all participants.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
This confrontation highlights the deepening divide on immigration policy in America. The Trump administration has prioritized removing individuals with criminal backgrounds as part of its broader immigration strategy. Critics argue that enforcement actions are overly aggressive, while supporters point to cases like those detained at Delaney Hall as evidence that enforcement targets genuine public safety threats. The incident in Newark has quickly become emblematic of this larger national debate.
As tensions continue to rise, Rep. McCaul’s warning about possible arrests reflects the administration’s determination to maintain control of immigration enforcement operations despite political opposition. With both sides doubling down on their positions, the Newark incident threatens to further polarize an already contentious issue as federal authorities weigh their next steps in response to what they view as an unlawful interference with legitimate law enforcement activities.
Sources:
- DHS spokesperson: More Dem arrests are ‘on the table’ after ICE facility scrum – POLITICO
- House Dems clash with police at ICE facility, mayor arrested
- ICE facility Democrats ‘stormed’ holds child rapists, murderers: officials
- New Jersey Democrats blame ICE for confrontation at Newark facility – Washington Times
- Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) called threats to arrest Democratic colleagues over an incident at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility “very drastic” and only appropriate if anyone actually broke the law.
- GOP Rep. McCaul: Careful of More Dem Arrests Over ICE | Newsmax.com
