House Republicans Block Congressman Menendez’s Amendment to Prevent Private Immigration Detention Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Menendez condemned House Republicans’ refusal to consider his amendment to H.R. 8725, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, that would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering into or renewing contracts for private prison facilities, such as the Elizabeth Detention Center (EDC), in New Jersey. 

“House Republicans’ refusal to consider our amendment to prevent private immigration detention in New Jersey is deeply disappointing,”  said Congressman Menendez. “This decision reflects a troubling disregard for the values and well-being of immigrant communities in New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District and across the state. We must continue to fight for a fair and humane immigration system that prioritizes the rights and dignity of every individual.”

“I am frustrated but not at all surprised that House Republicans have refused to consider my and Rep. Menendez’s amendment to prohibit public contracts with private prisons in New Jersey,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “Republicans are scared to stand up to special interests and private prison corporations at the expense of New Jersey’s communities. Rep. Menendez and I will always stand up for what’s right for New Jerseyans. It’s a shame we can’t say the same about our colleagues across the aisle.”

Congressman Menendez’s amendment would prohibit funding from being used to enter into or renew contracts for private immigration detention in states like New Jersey, where state laws have been enacted prohibiting the operation of such facilities. H.R. 8725 passed the House of Representatives without the Congressman’s support on June 28, 2024, by a vote of 212- 203.

Recently, Congressman Menendez co-led a letter with Reps. Watson Coleman and Kim to Attorney General Merrick Garland encouraging the DOJ to refrain from supporting ICE contracts for private detention centers in New Jersey. He also co-led a letter with Rep. Watson Coleman and late Rep. Payne urging the DOJ to rescind its support for CoreCivic's lawsuit against AB 5207, New Jersey's state law prohibiting private immigration detention. In September 2023, Congressman Menendez and Rep. Watson Coleman sent an additional letter urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to terminate efforts to continue contracting with CoreCivic for the operation of EDC. The Congressman also held discussions with senior DHS officials to advocate for the closure of the facility in December 2023 and visited EDC to inspect conditions in January 2024. Congressman Menendez called for the closure of EDC in July  2023. 

Congressman Menendez is a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, which oversees the operations of DHS and ICE.