Why It Matters
A newly sworn member of Congress from New Jersey is pushing an aggressive economic and immigration agenda that could reshape federal policy debates. Rep. Analilia Mejia, who won a special election in April to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, is advocating for more than tripling the current federal minimum wage and replacing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with a new system. Her proposals represent some of the most progressive positions on Capitol Hill and could influence Democratic policy platforms ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What Happened
Mejia, who took office after winning a special election to finish the term of former Rep. Mikie Sherrill, outlined her legislative priorities in a recent interview. The freshman lawmaker is calling for a $25 federal minimum wage, Medicare for all, and the abolition of ICE. She is preparing for a June Democratic primary that will determine the party’s nominee for a full two-year term beginning in January. The winner will face Republican Joe Hathaway and independent candidates in the general election.
Mejia previously served as a leader of the New Jersey Working Families Party and worked as a top aide to Sen. Bernie Sanders. She now sits on the House Homeland Security Committee, where she says her position on ICE has not changed despite her new role overseeing the agency.
By the Numbers
The current federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Mejia’s proposal would increase that rate to $25 per hour through a phased implementation. New Jersey implemented a $15 minimum wage in recent years, which Mejia cited as evidence that wage increases can coexist with economic growth. The 11th Congressional District special election in April narrowed the House Republican majority, though the GOP still controls the chamber.
The Immigration Proposal
Mejia reiterated her call to dismantle ICE and replace it with what she described as a more efficient and accountable system. She said the current structure lacks transparency and has eroded public trust. As an alternative, she proposed investing more funding in immigration courts to speed processing times and improve case resolution. Mejia stopped short of committing to support any funding legislation that includes ICE in its current form, saying any measure must ensure transparency and accountability.
Economic Agenda
On wages, Mejia said no part of the United States offers a livable standard on pay below $25 per hour. She said her phase-in proposal would balance the needs of workers with the operational realities facing small businesses. The lawmaker also renewed her criticism of corporate influence in politics, saying she will continue to reject political action committee contributions from corporations. She said policymaking should center on ordinary constituents rather than large donors.
What’s Next
Mejia faces a Democratic primary in June, with the winner advancing to a general election for a full term in Congress. If she wins both contests, she would serve a two-year term beginning in January and could use her committee assignment to push for changes to immigration enforcement policy. The House Homeland Security Committee oversees ICE and related agencies, giving Mejia a platform to advance her proposals. The fate of her minimum wage and healthcare proposals will depend on future shifts in congressional control and Democratic leadership priorities.