NEWARK, N.J. — On Tuesday morning, a prominent yellow barricade was set up in front of Delaney Hall, following protests at the ICE facility earlier that day.
ICE officials mentioned the barricades were erected after a protest that took place on Monday. Along with the barricades, warnings were posted, indicating that the area is private property and any trespassers would face charges.
The facility, operated by the GEO Group, is primarily secured by law enforcement stationed outside the building.
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According to reports, two individuals were taken into custody during the protest as clergy members participated, chanting and linking arms at the main entrance of Delaney Hall.
This unrest followed the arrest of Newark Mayor Las Baraka last week for trespassing, which occurred during a demonstration attended by three congressional members. Baraka claimed he was there to address legislative concerns regarding federal detention facilities. The lawmakers had gathered outside when the gates opened.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official stated that the congressmembers rushed past security and toward the gates. A post on X featured Rep. Lamonica Mciver asserting that ICE had “created chaos.”
Post-incident, Baraka expressed, “We aren’t asking for anything out of the ordinary; we want them to uphold our laws. Please adhere to city policies and regulations—follow the Constitution. Everyone here deserves a fair process.”
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His arrest coincided with activists seeking access to the detention center for several consecutive days. This facility was recently updated to serve as an immigration detention center after previously housing detainees in significant industrial areas from 2011 to 2017. The DHS noted that many individuals currently detained are facing or have been convicted of criminal charges.
“Are we supposed to release individuals like child rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, or terrorists?” questioned Homeland Security Advisor Tricia McLaughlin following Monday’s protests.
She criticized the actions as a “cheap political stunt by Democrats,” adding that such protests jeopardized the safety of law enforcement, facility staff, and the detainees—pointing out that ambulances were delayed.
Alina Haba pledges to protect “American security” against those who “break federal laws.”
Meanwhile, U.S. legal representatives for Alina Haba from New Jersey indicated on Friday that she was contemplating further engagement with officials.
“My office is collaborating with federal agencies to thoroughly investigate incidents at Delaney Hall from Friday. Like all investigations, we will carefully examine all evidence before determining next steps. We won’t overlook these matters.”
