WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Congressman Herb Conaway Jr., MD (D-NJ) led six Members of Congress in a letter to Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Noem, and Acting Director Lyons, demanding clarification and expressing opposition regarding the plan to house undocumented immigrants on the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

“Given the limited information provided, we believe further transparency is necessary to ensure Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s (JBMDL) mission readiness is not compromised,” wrote the lawmakers. “JBMDL is a critical power projection platform and must not be politicized as part of this administration’s immigration agenda. Despite outreach, our requests for meetings with the Deputy Secretary of Defense and Acting Administrator of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remain unanswered.”

The lawmakers requested a prompt briefing and written response to the following topics by August 15, 2025: 

1. Timeline for Operations
2. Facility Construction and Base Operations
3. Reimbursement and Funding
4. Detainee Qualifications and Care
5. Coordination with Local Authorities

The letter was cosigned by Reps: Josh Gottheimer, Frank Pallone, Nellie Pou, Robert Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.

For a copy of the letter click here.