Menendez, Watson Coleman, McIver Launch Legal Observer Training Amid ICE Killings

In response to recent fatal incidents involving immigration enforcement, Congressmembers Rob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver will host a virtual legal observer information session with the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice on January 29 at 4:30 p.m.

The session aims to inform constituents on how to safely document the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to educate them about their legal rights. The initiative follows the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by ICE and Border Patrol agents while serving as legal observers.

“In the last few weeks, we have seen ICE and Border Patrol personnel kill two legal observers who posed no threat to them,” said Congressman Menendez. “This session will inform residents of the legal rights they have to document ICE conduct, and the steps they can take to protect themselves from the illegal and reckless tactics of this Administration.”

Congresswoman Watson Coleman emphasized the need for accountability. “Their crimes must be recorded for the day when those who have violated our rights face justice,” she said. “It’s up to us to serve as witnesses now.”

Congresswoman McIver added, “Observers need to know their legal rights to document ICE operations so that these horrific abuses do not hide in the dark.”

The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice will lead the training. Its executive director, Amy Torres, underscored the importance of community documentation. “To get there, we need legal observers who are documenting federal agents’ presence and their actions as they attempt to take over our communities and trample our rights,” Torres said.

The virtual session is open to constituents and will be held via Zoom.