Brad Cohen Calls on Congress to Withhold DHS Funding, Citing Opposition to ICE
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By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): East Brunswick, NJ — East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, a Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, has called on the U.S. House of Representatives to withhold funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should be defunded.
In a statement released Tuesday ahead of an anticipated House vote on DHS funding, Cohen said he believes ICE is beyond reform and accused the agency of serious abuses.
“Over the past year, it has become apparent that ICE cannot be reformed and must be defunded,” Cohen said in the statement. “This is not an agency that can be redeemed.”
Cohen alleged that ICE has engaged in practices he described as harmful to children, families, and immigrant communities, including in Central New Jersey. He also criticized DHS messaging and recruitment practices, asserting that they reflect values inconsistent with constitutional principles.
“If elected to Congress, I pledge to shut down ICE,” Cohen said, urging lawmakers to withhold funding from DHS until changes are made. “This department stands for horrors that have no place in the United States of America.”
The statement places Cohen among a progressive wing of Democratic candidates who have taken a hard-line stance against ICE, a position that has generated national debate within both major political parties. Supporters of ICE argue the agency plays a critical role in enforcing federal immigration law, while critics say it has operated with insufficient oversight and accountability.
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Cohen is seeking the congressional seat currently held by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who has indicated she plans to retire at the end of her term. The race for the 12th District is expected to draw significant attention, given the district’s Democratic lean and the broader national conversation on immigration policy.
The India Observer will continue to follow developments in the NJ-12 congressional race as candidates outline their policy positions and campaign platforms.
Editor’s NoteÂ
As immigration remains one of the most emotionally charged and consequential issues in American politics, The India Observer is committed to reporting candidate positions accurately while maintaining journalistic neutrality. Voters deserve clarity, context, and facts as they evaluate those seeking public office.
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