White House accuses Democrats of prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens

In early May 2025, several Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver, entered an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Their actions were part of a protest advocating for the rights of individuals held at the facility, which they argued was unlawfully preventing access for inspections. The incident escalated with the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who joined the group in demanding an oversight visit. The White House responded strongly, denouncing the Democrats for unlawfully breaking into the facility in a bid to advocate for illegal immigrants. White House spokesman Kush Desai stated that such actions crossed the line between political performance and lawbreaking, emphasizing that the Democrats appeared to be prioritizing the welfare of illegal aliens above that of American citizens. Simultaneously, Senator Ted Cruz criticized the actions of his Democratic colleagues, particularly their defense of individuals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was identified as an alleged MS-13 gang member. Cruz accused Democrats of seemingly putting more effort into supporting known criminals rather than addressing the safety and concerns of U.S. citizens. He remarked that many Americans do not want more gang members in the country, criticizing the apparent alignment of the Democrats with illegal immigration and gang violence. The incident at the ICE facility highlights the ongoing political and social tensions in the U.S. regarding immigration, law enforcement, and the rights of detained individuals. Activists, backed by the Democratic lawmakers, claim that the treatment of individuals at ICE facilities often leads to inhumane conditions. The circumstances surrounding Abrego Garcia, a deported gang member, further complicate the discussions, with conflicting narratives about his criminality and the appropriateness of advocating for his return to the U.S. The political divide on immigration remains stark. As Democrats push for reform and greater protections for individuals at detention facilities, Republicans continue to defend stringent immigration policies, framing them as necessary for ensuring public safety. This contentious atmosphere is reflective of broader national debates where issues of legality, ethics, and human rights intersect with public policy and governance.