Controversy Over Using Military Base in New Jersey for Migrant Detention

The Biden administration plans to utilize parts of a military base in New Jersey to temporarily hold undocumented immigrants, a move condemned by local Democratic officials. Sections of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County will be transformed into “soft-sided holding facilities,” according to the Department of Defense.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that this housing effort would not compromise military training or readiness. However, critics argue this use of military infrastructure for immigration detention blurs national security and civilian priorities, raising concerns about militarization of immigration enforcement.

Leading Democrats from New Jersey, including Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim and representatives such as Herb Conway and Bonnie Watson Coleman, issued a joint statement condemning the move. They warned that deploying military resources against undocumented immigrants could jeopardize military preparedness and enable immigration raids in local communities. The officials called the transition “an inappropriate use of our national defense system,” and described the act as politicizing military assets for immigration policies that have faced widespread criticism for their inhumanity.

Additionally, parts of Indiana’s Camp Atterbury are also slated to be converted into migrant processing sites, though specific timelines remain unconfirmed. This initiative has sparked protests earlier this year, notably in Newark, where demonstrations led to federal charges against State Assemblywoman LaMonica McIver, who denies any wrongdoing.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst spans over 42,000 acres and hosts about 45,000 military and civilian personnel. It is unique in being operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The base previously accommodated Afghan refugees after the US military withdrawal in 2021.