DHS Slams Teachers Union Head for 'Dangerous Rhetoric' Over ICE Facility

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten for her remarks and activism regarding the Delaney Hall migrant detention facility near Newark, New Jersey. DHS stated that Weingarten's rhetoric is "dangerous" and contributes to an increase in threats against law enforcement.

Weingarten filmed a video near the facility, describing alleged conditions inside as "unimaginable" and calling the government's actions "despicable." She drew a parallel between the detained migrants and her own grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S.

"This is one of the most despicable things that our current government does," Weingarten said in her video. "They put people — people have not committed any crimes — they are immigrants. They deport them, or they … detain them and deport them in conditions that are unimaginable."

In response, a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "any claim that there are subprime conditions at ICE detention facilities is false." The agency asserted that its mission is to enforce laws and protect national security. DHS also stated that individuals are encouraged to "take control of their departure with the CBP Home App" and that the U.S. offers $3,000 and a free flight to those who self-deport.

Weingarten's visit and comments have drawn criticism from school-choice advocates, who argue that her focus should be on improving student academic performance, which has lagged below pre-pandemic levels. Corey DeAngelis, a school-choice advocate, suggested that Weingarten's interest in immigration policy is linked to potential increases in taxpayer funding for schools due to increased enrollment.

"It's time to overturn Plyler v Doe and stop forcing taxpayers to fund education for illegals," DeAngelis tweeted, referencing a Supreme Court case that affirmed the right of undocumented children to attend public schools.

An analysis by the Annie E. Casey Foundation indicated that academic performance declined in 47 states between 2019 and 2024, with national decreases in math and reading proficiency, as well as preschool attendance. Weingarten has led the AFT since 2008.

Critics have also pointed to Weingarten's broader activism, including a past boycott of Target over the retailer's stance on ICE operations, as evidence of her straying from core educational issues. The AFT, however, maintains that political activism and advocacy for civil rights are integral to its mission alongside public education.