U.S. Reps. Rob Menendez (D-8) and LaMonica McIver (D-10) discussed DOGE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Medicaid, and more at a Tele-Town Hall they co-hosted last night.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“Donald Trump and the administration have continued their attack on the American people. We have witnessed an onslaught of Executive Orders,” McIver began, noting that the Elon Musk-led DOGE agency has began mass layoffs in different departments.
“If you’re angry at what’s happening now, you should be: The month ahead will not be easy. I will keep advocating for the protection of our immigrant communities nationwide,” she said of ongoing raids across the county by ICE.
She also acknowledged that with Republicans holding all three branches of governments, options are limited, but nonetheless, there are no plans “to cooperate with their dangerous proposals” and that Democrats will continue to support lawsuits that are filed in opposition.
The freshman congresswoman also credited New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin for being one of the people leading the fight against the Trump administration.
“I will keep calling on our Senate colleagues to shut down the Senate,” McIver added.
“We’re making your voices heard here in Washington … so Republicans know the consequences of their extremes cuts. We’re conducting vigorous oversight as Members of Congress,” Menendez said.
Menendez noted that he, McIver, and U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) recently paid a surprise visit to the ICE detention center in Elizabeth to see how they are treating detainees.
“We will continue to hold ICE officials accountable to the law. These are truly trying times.. We are leading know your rights training… should they potentially have an encounter with ICE,” the congressman continued.
He noted that Medicaid, which helps the most vulnerable children, pregnant women, and the elderly, is under attack and could face serious cuts in the near future.
“We are using the tools we have in the minority,” McIver said following a question from a listener, noting they have introduced bills and sent letters seeking official correspondence.
“Judges have issued stops to some of the things Trump has tried to do, him and Elon.”
March 14th is a funding deadline when Republicans must deliver the votes to raise the debt ceiling or the federal government will be shut down. Menendez pointed out they are working to maintain Democratic opposition.
Another listener asked them to elaborate on what was happening with Medicaid.
“This is most of the important things we’re sounding alarms on. About one in five New Jerseyans receive their healthcare through Medicaid … It has been signaled out as the program the Republicans want to target,” Menendez replied.
McIver later added that 29 percent of her district is on Medicaid before addressing a question about DOGE.
“It’s totally irresponsible of the Trump Administration and Musk and the DOGE team to be having these mass layoffs. We should look at efficiency: We do this all the time,” she replied.
She further stated that air traffic control is being especially impacted.
“We all think government should be more efficient. But this is not how you do it: They don’t know what they’re doing,” Menendez added.
Another listener asked a question about how Trump has been handling the war in Ukraine.
“There’s going to be some terrible fallout behind this,” McIver stated, with Menendez noting it was the third anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine.
“We will continue to support Ukraine’s fight for independence and freedom, to see this pivot by the administration is completely nonsensical,” Menendez asserted, stating that some Republicans are against it as well.
The federal lawmakers were also asked about Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon potentially abolishing the department.
“The attack on the Department of Education … is the wrong signal for public education in our country,” Menendez argued, stating that education should be more accessible and affordable.
“Everything the administration wants to do is a step in the wrong direction, we are worried about the cuts that are coming. We are fighting back every step of the way and outlining a path that is more inclusive.”
McIver stated that programs from pre-k to college are being cut.
“That means lack of funding for programs our community benefits from like, school lunch program and Pell Grants: We cannot allow it!”
Other posed questions about the increasing prevalence of ICE raids in New Jersey.
Menendez said 40 percent of the residents of his district are immigrants, and many live in “mixed status” families.
He noted they went to the ICE detention center and have actively educated vulnerable people. They have “Know your Rights with ICE” pamphlets available in 12 languages.
“They seem blind to the consequences and damage they can cause: We will not be silent for our immigrant communities here in Washington and at home.”
“Many of our communities are scared to come out. Business owners are seeing a tremendous drop, over 30 percent in revenue,” stated McIver.
Menendez said they are also working with local officials to protect undocumented immigrants.
“Students are sometimes concerned about going to school,” he added.
A question about protecting LGBTQ+ rights was also posed before the session concluded.
Menendez noted they are supporting the Hudson Pride Center, which has offices in Jersey City and Union City, which helps the LGBTQ community to receive funding for critical programs.
“We can’t shy away from the fight … It’s been horrifying to watch,” he said.
“We will not abandon you. We are here for you,” McIver concluded.
 and LaMonica McIver (D-10) discussed DOGE, ICE, Medicaid, and more at a Tele-Town Hall they co-hosted last night.){kind=link}
The Democratic Party wants the American citizens taxpayers to foot the high taxes because the illegal aliens and foreign nationals need to be supported by the American citizens. This is Major Demand by the Democratic Party to the American Citizens. It doesn’t matter what the American Citizens complaints are because illegal aliens and foreign nationals have the rights. when majority of the American people do not approve or like it because the Democratic Party wants American Citizens to make sure that their taxes are used to support the illegal aliens and foreign nationals for medical, food stamps, housing, cash assistance, social security payments, and more. The illegal aliens and foreign nationals have the right to vote in USA Federal, State, and Local elections, drivers licenses, social security, and more. It is the duty of the American Citizens to fork over the benefits to the Illegal Aliens and Foreign Nationals because if you don’t the Democrats consider you Anti-American. The world population has the right to vote in USA elections and get all the government assistance and tax money from the American people. To the Democratic Party the American Citizens need to stop complaining and pay the high taxes to illegal aliens and foreign nationals. The Democratic Party supports the Defund the Police so expect them to always say that they don’t want to cooperate with the local, state, and federal police because they don’t want to offend their voting base and plus they need to allow their supporters to get away with crimes just like they do with Chicago. This is why more Blacks in Chicago have abandoned the Democratic Party, but these don’t matter anymore because the Blacks been replaced by the illegal aliens and foreign nationals. You see more Blacks see the truth that they always been used by the Democratic Party always wanted them to live off government assistance programs and never move up financially and improve their lives with good education, become affluent middle class and affluent members in society because the Democrats taught Blacks that they need to keep living in Section 8 housing, be on food stamps, live in bad neighborhoods, and all because the Democratic Party get votes from them. Now the gravy train is switch to illegal aliens and foreign nationals and how Democrats are fighting for their rights. Many Blacks woke up and realized that the Democratic Party never cared or improved the lives of Black people and their cities and this is why Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and other cities are in poor conditions for Blacks. If you want to pay high taxes for illegals and foreign nationals and be used for votes like Blacks then Vote Democrat.
Your comment raises several claims that do not accurately reflect U.S. immigration policy or the associated legal framework. I’d like to address some key points to clarify the facts.
U.S. public benefits programs are designed to support vulnerable populations based on eligibility criteria that apply to both citizens and certain lawful residents. Undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for federal benefits like food stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, or housing assistance, except in limited emergency situations. The claim that American taxpayers are being forced to support undocumented immigrants misrepresents how public assistance programs are funded and administered.
Regarding voting rights, it is illegal for noncitizens, including those without legal status, to vote in federal elections. The law is clear on this matter, and there are strict penalties for voter fraud. While a few local jurisdictions allow noncitizens with lawful status to vote in certain local elections, they are explicitly barred from participating in federal, state, and most local elections. There is no widespread evidence supporting the idea that undocumented immigrants are voting in U.S. elections.
When it comes to immigration enforcement, U.S. law distinguishes between criminal and civil violations. Entering the country without inspection can be prosecuted as a criminal offense, but overstaying a visa—while a violation of immigration law—is a civil matter, not a crime. This distinction is codified in the Immigration and Nationality Act and has been upheld by numerous court decisions, including Arizona v. United States (2012), which reaffirmed the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement.
The assertion that immigration policies are designed to “force” American citizens to subsidize undocumented immigrants or foreign nationals oversimplifies complex policy discussions. Immigration reform debates revolve around ensuring the system is fair, efficient, and humane while balancing national security and economic considerations. Accusations that any political party is deliberately trying to burden taxpayers for political gain lack factual basis and detract from constructive dialogue.
Claims about “defunding the police” and alleged leniency toward criminal activity are also mischaracterized. Discussions around public safety budgets often focus on reallocating resources to community services aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, not about undermining law enforcement. These discussions are nuanced and vary significantly depending on local and state priorities.
Finally, portraying immigrant communities or minority groups as political tools is divisive and unsupported by evidence. Many immigrants, regardless of status, work, pay taxes, and contribute positively to their communities. The suggestion that entire groups are being used for votes or benefits ignores the complex realities of American demographics, policy, and politics.
It is essential to base discussions on facts rather than misconceptions or stereotypes. Immigration is a complex issue that warrants thoughtful, evidence-based conversation rather than fear-driven rhetoric. I encourage further dialogue grounded in verifiable information and mutual respect.