Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) is drawing attention after making comments about illegal migrants being held at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey.

In a post on X, Kim emphasized the importance of focusing on detainees and their families, describing them as the guiding priority for Democrats.

“The detainees and their families need to be our North Star,” Kim wrote. “We will fight to secure dignity for them because that’s who are in America.”

The remarks came as debates over immigration enforcement and detention policies continue to be major issues in national politics. Delaney Hall has become a focal point in those discussions, with lawmakers and activists closely scrutinizing conditions and enforcement efforts at the facility.

Kim's comments are likely to draw criticism from those who believe elected officials should place greater emphasis on the concerns of American citizens and the enforcement of immigration laws. Supporters, meanwhile, argue that detainees should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their immigration status.

The statement underscores the stark differences between Democrats and Republicans on immigration policy. While many Democrats have focused on the treatment of migrants and their families, Republicans have generally emphasized border security, enforcement, and adherence to immigration laws.

After all, when politicians describe a particular group as their “North Star,” voters often pay close attention to what that says about their priorities.

As immigration remains one of the most important issues facing the country, comments like Kim’s are likely to fuel continued debate over how the United States should balance enforcement, security, and humanitarian concerns.