New Jersey Rep. Nellie Pou honored Martin Soto, an immigrant who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at a legislative dinner marking the end of Hispanic Heritage Month. The recognition occurred shortly after Soto’s release from federal custody, despite recent reports from The Daily Wire indicating that police records show he was initially arrested on domestic violence charges before being transferred to ICE.
Soto had previously led a hunger strike inside an ICE detention facility, supported by a narrative that he was improperly detained while purchasing diapers for his infant son. However, records obtained by the Oversight Project and reviewed by The Daily Wire suggest that Soto was arrested by the Kearny Police Department on Feb. 1 for allegedly assaulting his wife, Gabriela. ICE took him into custody on Feb. 2 after he was picked up from the Hudson County jail.
What the Left Is Saying
Rep. Nellie Pou described Martin and Gabriela Soto as "special guests" at the event, expressing relief at his release. "I cannot imagine what those months were like for Martin and for Gabriela and their children. No family, no family should have to endure what they went through," Pou said. She credited her office and colleagues, including Reps. Andy Kim, Cory Booker, Analilia Mejía, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, for working to secure his release.
Pou specifically praised Gabriela Soto for her advocacy, stating, "Gabriela is an unbelievable individual... She spoke out publicly, demanded answers, told her family’s story, and never allowed anyone to forget about Martin." The congresswoman noted that while the fight for permanent release continues, she was happy to see Soto reunited with his family. Democratic officials, including Reps. Mejía and Rob Menendez, welcomed Soto outside the detention center upon his release on Oct. 6, following a habeas petition granted by a judge appointed during the Biden administration.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators and media outlets have highlighted the discrepancy between the narrative promoted by Democrats and the police records. The Daily Wire reported that ICE confirmed federal officers took Soto into custody after he was charged with assault. ICE also accused Soto of participating "in inciting unrest and causing property damage" while detained at Delaney Hall.
Critics argue that the celebration of Soto overlooks the initial domestic violence allegations. The police report, which redacted the victim's name except for identifying her as "Ms. Soto," states that Martin "purposely" caused "bodily injury" to his wife by striking her in the face, causing scratches and cuts. It also alleges he placed a hand over her mouth to prevent her from screaming. The report notes that the assault allegedly occurred while children were present and that Soto tried to push Gabriela’s father away when the elder Soto told him to leave the house.
What the Numbers Show
According to the police report, responding officers called EMS for injuries sustained by an unidentified individual and Martin Soto. The report notes that Soto was "bleeding from his nose, had a laceration on his lip, and several scratches on his abdomen," though he refused medical aid. The domestic violence call was initiated by the victim after the altercation.
Soto was detained by ICE starting Feb. 2. He was held in various facilities, including Delaney Hall and a detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His release on Oct. 6 was facilitated by a habeas petition claiming wrongful detention. The assault case against Soto was expunged, a city official in Kearny told The Daily Wire. Offices for Sens. Andy Kim and Cory Booker, and Reps. Analilia Mejía and Bonnie Watson Coleman did not respond to requests for comment regarding their support of Soto after the police records were made public.
The Bottom Line
The incident underscores the complexities in immigration enforcement cases where criminal histories intersect with humanitarian narratives. While Democratic lawmakers focused on the family’s separation and the legal battle over detention conditions, the emergence of police records detailing domestic assault allegations has sparked debate over the accuracy of the public narrative surrounding Soto’s detention. The case remains in the public eye as advocates continue to push for Soto’s permanent legal status, while critics question the vetting process of high-profile immigration cases.