Sen. Andy Kim Talks Trump, ICE, Gateway at Town Hall

U.S. Senator discusses democracy, immigration, and infrastructure at Asbury Park event

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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U.S. Senator Andy Kim stressed the importance of standing up for democracy and public service during a nearly two-hour long town hall meeting in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Kim discussed a range of issues including the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions, cuts to Gateway Tunnel funding, and America's reputation on the international stage.

Why it matters

Kim's town hall reflects growing concerns among lawmakers and the public about the state of American democracy, immigration policies, and the country's global standing under the current administration. As a member of several key Senate committees, Kim's perspectives provide insight into how elected officials are grappling with these high-profile, divisive issues.

The details

During the town hall, Kim criticized the Trump administration's rhetoric and actions on immigration, including the killing of two Americans by ICE agents in Minnesota and the agency's plans to open a detention facility in New Jersey. He also called the cuts to Gateway Tunnel funding 'illegal' and said the project is crucial for economic growth in the region. Kim warned that America is no longer seen as a reliable or trustworthy global leader, with allies now viewing the U.S. as a 'threat' that needs to be 'hedged against'.

  • The town hall took place on February 19, 2026.
  • Kim noted that it had been a 'couple weeks' since the 'horrific shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good' by ICE agents in Minnesota.

The players

Sen. Andy Kim

A U.S. Senator from New Jersey who has been outspoken on issues of democracy, immigration, and infrastructure.

Tom Homan

A Trump administration official with ties to the for-profit Geo Group, which operates the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey.

Stephen Miller

The White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security, whom Kim called 'the most dangerous person in this country'.

Kay Harris

The head of the Asbury Park Historical Society, who joined Kim for a discussion on the city's role in the civil rights movement.

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What they’re saying

“We are no longer seen as the indispensable nation' and are 'now seen as the unreliable nation.”

— Sen. Andy Kim (burlingtoncountytimes.com)

“Some of this damage that's being done right now is irreversible. It's not going to be when Trump is out of office we have a 'we're back' moment anymore. The rest of the world doesn't just not trust Donald Trump but they don't trust our system of government right now.”

— Sen. Andy Kim (burlingtoncountytimes.com)

What’s next

Kim said he will continue to fight against the Trump administration's immigration policies and push for the completion of the Gateway Tunnel project, which he called crucial for the region's economic growth.

The takeaway

Sen. Andy Kim's town hall highlights the deep divisions and concerns over the state of American democracy, the impact of the Trump administration's policies, and the country's global standing. As a member of key Senate committees, Kim's perspectives provide a window into how elected officials are grappling with these high-stakes issues.