Sen. Cory Booker is facing criticism after comments he made during a CNN appearance appeared to minimize the seriousness of entering the United States illegally, reigniting the national debate over immigration enforcement and border security.
The controversy erupted following Booker’s appearance with Jake Tapper, where the New Jersey Democrat discussed conditions at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility that has become a flashpoint in the immigration debate.
What caught many viewers’ attention was not Booker’s criticism of the detention center itself, but the way he described those being held there.
When asked about the individuals detained at the facility, Booker responded, “Most of the people there, their only crime, if you want to say it’s a crime, is to be in this country without documentation.”
The phrase immediately drew sharp reactions.
Federal law is clear that unlawful entry into the United States is a criminal offense under 8 U.S. Code § 1325. Critics argue that Booker’s wording suggested uncertainty about whether violating federal immigration law should even be viewed as criminal conduct.
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