An illegal immigrant who has resided in the United States for 37 years has demanded amnesty and a path to citizenship, a call made alongside House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Rob Menendez in New Jersey. The incident, captured in a viral video clip, has drawn significant backlash from critics.
Margarita Cielo Balbuena, speaking through an interpreter at the event, stated, "I ask that you be champions of a change in the immigration laws. We need a path to citizenship for those of us that have been present for at least seven years in this country. We need a stop to these raids that immigration is using to terrorize Dover [New Jersey]."
Balbuena, who has been in the U.S. since 1989, identified herself as a taxpayer, homeowner, business owner, and parent and grandparent of U.S.-born children. She also recounted her detention at ICE's Elizabeth Detention Center for two months, alleging inhumane treatment.
Critics have voiced strong opposition to Balbuena's demands. Gregory Bovino, identified as a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander, questioned the logic of needing a translator after 37 years in the country and criticized the demand for a path to citizenship for those present for only seven years as "arrogance" and "entitlement." The John Birch Society also stated on X, "There can be no amnesty and there can be no exceptions. All illegals must go." Others online questioned why someone seeking citizenship would not learn English. Actor Matthew Marsden called for "immediate deportation."
During the event, House Minority Leader Jeffries also called for the closure of Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, which has been the site of protests. "Delaney Hall needs to be shut down. That will remain a high priority for us until it takes place," Jeffries said, adding that the behavior of ICE is "inconsistent with our values and what America should represent."
A White House spokeswoman responded to the criticism of ICE, stating that "sanctuary politicians" contribute to increased assaults and death threats against ICE law enforcement officers. "Our ICE officers are heroes who put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from American communities. Democrats must stop demonizing our officers for simply enforcing our nation’s laws," the spokeswoman said.