Rep. Watson Coleman Responds To Return Of Inmates To Prison

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman expressed disappointment Wednesday following the Biden administration's decision to return federal convicts to prison.

Thousands of prisoners were released to home confinement to reduce the spread of COVID-19. When the official state of emergency ends, the prisoners will be returned.

"This is an extremely disappointing decision,” Watson Coleman said in a statement released Wednesday. “It directly conflicts with President Biden’s commitments to criminal justice reform and the overall reduction of our prison population."

Earlier this year, Watson Coleman sent letters to President Biden and Attorney General Garland asking them to rescind the Trump-era memo ordering prisoners be returned.

"The unanticipated reprieve brought on by Covid-19 proved it is possible to safely reduce the prison population," Watson Coleman said in the statement. "Meanwhile, these inmates have shown to be contributing members of society, improving the wellbeing of their families and communities."