NY Congressman Dan Goldman on ICE Misconduct, DOJ Politicization, and Brooklyn Port Redevelopment

ICE Agent Misconduct and Immigration Policy

• 🚨 An ICE agent was fired after throwing a woman to the ground in immigration court, an action Congressman Dan Goldman called "egregious" and a result of the "militarization of ICE."
• ⚖️ Goldman expressed concern that the Justice Department is too "one-sided and partisan," undermining credibility and calling for consistent treatment of cases, regardless of who is involved.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He shared a personal account of meeting the woman and her children, highlighting the fear and trauma caused by such incidents, emphasizing the need for a lawful and measured immigration process.

Politicization of the Justice Department

• 🏛️ Goldman described the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey as the "final nail in the coffin" for the Department of Justice as he knew it, calling it "open and brazen politicization and weaponization."
• 🗣️ He cited Donald Trump's alleged directives to investigate political adversaries as evidence of the DOJ being used for "revenge and retribution."
• 🚫 Conversely, he argued that the Biden administration has appointed independent special counsels and shown no evidence of presidential interference in cases.
• 📉 Goldman believes the Supreme Court has also become a "political animal," often allowing Trump's actions to proceed, while lower courts attempt to stop "lawlessness."

"No Secret Police" Bill and Government Transparency

• ✊ Goldman is championing a "no secret police" bill to prevent agents from wearing masks, arguing that law enforcement in a democracy should be transparent and not reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
• 😨 This measure aims to prevent the terrorization of individuals and deter potential crimes by those impersonating law enforcement.

Mayoral Race and Antisemitism Concerns

• ✡️ Goldman expressed disappointment with a mayoral candidate's stance on BDS and call to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu, viewing it as counterproductive and exacerbating fear within the Jewish community.
• 🤝 He urged the candidate to take concrete actions to ensure the safety and security of Jewish New Yorkers, emphasizing the rise in antisemitic hate crimes.
• 🌍 He also voiced concern over the candidate's questioning of Israel's existence as a Jewish state, stressing the importance of Israel remaining a Jewish and democratic state.

Brooklyn Marine Terminal Redevelopment

• 🏗️ Goldman chaired a task force for the redevelopment of the Brooklyn port, aiming to save the deteriorating 122-acre site.
• 🏘️ The plan includes maritime and industrial space, a cruise terminal, green space, commercial areas, and 6,000 new apartments, with 40% designated as affordable housing.
• 💰 Funding includes significant government grants ($164 million from EDC, $200 million from the city) and private developer contributions, with luxury housing helping to subsidize the project.
• ✅ The project aims to be an example of how government can achieve large-scale community benefits, addressing housing crises and ensuring surrounding communities benefit from the redevelopment.