Ciattarelli Condemns ICE Detainee Plan at N.J. Base, Blames Dems for Crisis

Republican Candidate Opposes Use of Military Base for Immigration Detainees

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has expressed strong opposition to a plan that would use part of a large U.S. military base in Burlington County to temporarily house immigration detainees. His campaign has attributed the situation to Democratic policies, which they claim have created a crisis requiring such measures.

Ciattarelli’s campaign released a statement from the GOP nominee, highlighting his belief that the current circumstances were caused by what he described as “Sanctuary State” policies enacted by Democrats. He specifically pointed to U.S. House Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, as being responsible for creating this environment.

“NJ Democrats, including Mikie Sherrill, created a crisis by putting out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants with their dangerous Sanctuary State policies,” Ciattarelli stated. He added that it is hypocritical for Democrats to now blame the White House for dealing with the consequences of their actions.

The campaign manager for Ciattarelli, Eric Arpert, further clarified that the candidate opposes the use of the joint base for housing detainees. He reiterated the claim that Democrats are to blame for the situation, emphasizing that the decision to use the base reflects the broader political conflict over immigration policy.

Ciattarelli received significant support from the proponent-in-chief of the nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants, former President Donald Trump, and won the GOP nomination with more than two-thirds of the vote in last month’s primary.

Criticism from Democrats

Mikie Sherrill, a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, criticized the arrangement, calling it a “blatant misuse of one of New Jersey’s most critical military assets.” She argued that using the base for immigration detainees reduces a vital national security installation to a stage for political theater, which contradicts the principle of an apolitical military.

Pete Hegseth, who heads the Department of Defense, granted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to house detainees at the McGuire Air Force Base portion of the joint facility. This includes conducting two flights a day on its airfield.

Outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy has also opposed the use of the base for detainees, according to a spokesman. The governor views the arrangement as a “gross misuse of U.S. military resources.”

No specific date has been set for ICE to begin temporarily housing immigration detainees at the New Jersey base or other bases where DHS has been granted permission. A Defense Department official stated that the timeline for these facilities will depend on operational requirements and coordination with DHS.

Expansion of Detention Facilities

DHS has confirmed that it is exploring all available options to expand bedspace capacity, including housing detainees at certain military bases. Earlier this month, the Department of Defense approved a request by DHS to allow ICE to house detainees for up to 14 days at a time at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Camp Atterbury in Indiana.

In its June 10 request, DHS also sought and was granted permission to use the Naval Station at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In the July 15 letter granting permission, the DoD approved the use of these facilities through September 30, 2025, provided that ICE maintains a 24/7 oversight presence at each site.

The letter also outlined conditions for the housing of detainees, stating that individuals designated as High Threat Illegal Aliens will not be housed at these facilities. Additionally, detainees must be adults, and they must have a nexus to a transnational criminal organization or criminal drug activity.

Political Division Over the Issue

Sherrill is among all nine of New Jersey’s House Democrats, plus its two Democratic U.S. senators, who oppose the use of the joint base for detainees. Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim joined Rep. Herb Conaway, whose district includes JB MDL, and other representatives in issuing a joint statement criticizing the arrangement as an inappropriate use of the national defense system.

Conaway, Norcross, Gottheimer, Pallone, Pou, Menendez, McIver, and Watson Coleman sent a follow-up letter to Hegseth and Noem, demanding additional details to ensure that mission readiness is not compromised.

Among New Jersey’s three House Republicans, Rep. Chris Smith supported the arrangement, arguing that it is better to house those who entered the U.S. illegally and have a connection to criminal activity rather than let them walk freely on the streets.

Spokespeople for New Jersey’s other Republican congressmen, Reps. Tom Kean Jr. and Jeff Van Drew, did not respond to requests for comment.