Congressman Tom Kean Jr. urged U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on April 7 to conduct a thorough review of the department’s proposed processing facility in Roxbury Township, New Jersey.
The issue is important because local officials have raised concerns about the impact of the facility on their community, including potential loss of municipal tax revenue and strain on public safety services. Kean said he wants federal and local leaders to work together before any decisions are made.
In his letter to Secretary Mullin, Kean wrote, “I respectfully request that the Department take a deeper look at the proposal and give careful consideration to the concerns raised by local officials, while working collaboratively with multiple levels of government to identify the most appropriate path forward.” He also highlighted worries from township officials about operational strain on police and emergency services as well as questions regarding utility infrastructure and zoning.
Kean continued, “A high level of coordination between federal officials and local leadership would be hugely beneficial in addressing outstanding questions and ensuring that decisions are informed by on-the-ground realities.” Since December 2025, Kean said he has been engaged daily with senior Homeland Security officials about these issues.
In February, Kean introduced the Local Taxpayer Protection Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill aims to make sure municipalities like Roxbury do not bear costs associated with hosting federal law enforcement facilities.
Thomas Kean Jr. is currently serving in Congress representing New Jersey’s 7th district after replacing Tom Malinowski in 2023 according to Ballotpedia. He previously served in both chambers of New Jersey’s legislature as reported by NJ Legislature. Born in Livingston in 1968, Kean now lives in Westfield according to Biographical Directory, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College as noted by Vote Smart.