Immigration enforcement and civil rights took center stage Tuesday night in Hunterdon County, where two prominent New Jersey Democrats — Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (CD-10) and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — joined community leaders for a town hall hosted by the countywide NAACP. The discussion was blunt, emotional, and aimed squarely at the federal government’s handling of immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration.
Both McIver and Baraka have personal histories with this issue. McIver is currently facing charges for allegedly interfering with federal officers during a visit to an ICE detention center in Newark. Baraka, too, was previously arrested in a similar incident, though those charges were quickly dropped. Their shared experiences set the tone for an evening that was as much about political accountability as it was about community solidarity.
A Diverse Gathering in an Unlikely Setting
Hunterdon County, with a Black population under 3%, may not be the first place one would expect to host a high-profile NAACP event on immigration and racial justice. Yet the turnout proved otherwise. Around 250 attendees filled a local Presbyterian Church — some sitting in the sweltering, un-air-conditioned sanctuary, others in a cooler adjoining room watching via video feed.
Larry Hamm of the People’s Organization for Progress moderated the program, opening with humor about driving from Newark and feeling as though he was “entering Pennsylvania” upon reaching Hunterdon. But the night quickly shifted into a serious discussion of civil rights, immigration, and political mobilization.
McIver’s Sharp Criticism of ICE
Newly elected to Congress after the passing of Rep. Donald Payne, McIver did not mince words. She accused ICE of operating as “the personal attackers” and “personal security team” for Donald Trump, saying the agency appears to seek out cruelty in its enforcement tactics.
She also tied immigration enforcement to racial inequity, noting that many of those targeted by ICE are people of color, while the Trump Administration recently welcomed white immigrants from South Africa.
Her remarks drew nods and murmurs of agreement from the audience, many of whom have witnessed — or experienced — the effects of immigration raids firsthand.
Baraka: “I’m Always Running”
Baraka, who placed second to Mikie Sherrill in June’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, delivered his critique of Trump-era policies with the cadence of a campaign speech. He accused the administration of trying to take the nation back to a time when those who could succeed were exclusively “white, male, and Protestant.”
When asked if he was still in campaign mode, Baraka replied simply: “I’m always running.”
While the evening touched on the importance of organizing for the 2026 midterms, there was notably no discussion of this year’s governor’s race during the program. Speaking afterward, McIver said her district is “working hard to elect a Democratic governor” and that she is “super supportive” of Sherrill, her congressional colleague.
Local Politics and National Issues
The town hall wasn’t just about immigration. Vernon Williams, a candidate for the Hunterdon Central Board of Education, spoke about the growing political battles in local school districts over books, curriculum, and cultural issues. His goal, he said, is to ensure his district isn’t overrun by right-wing agendas.
Baraka saw a broader pattern in such local activism, suggesting that the Trump Administration’s policies have spurred “a little bit of a political education” among everyday people — an education that could lead to more civic engagement, and even inspire more community members to run for office themselves.
Remembering the Civil Rights Movement
In closing, Hamm invoked the approaching 62nd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. The reminder was more than symbolic — it was a call to action. Hamm’s energy filled the church as he led the crowd in a chant of “Power to the People,” echoing the grassroots spirit of the civil rights era.
Politics, Power, and the Path Ahead
This Hunterdon County town hall was more than a discussion about immigration — it was a microcosm of the political crossroads New Jersey faces. On one hand, national debates over immigration policy, racial equity, and law enforcement remain deeply polarizing. On the other, grassroots political education and community organizing continue to grow, even in places far from urban centers.
For continued coverage of New Jersey’s evolving political landscape — from immigration debates to statewide elections — visit our Explore New Jersey Politics section.
