A recent event in Newark involved an influx of out-of-state activists, including some from affluent backgrounds, who were apprehended during a confrontation with law enforcement outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility.
According to Newark Police and arrest warrants reviewed, among the at least 12 individuals charged with assaulting federal agents and vandalizing vehicles, four traveled from as far away as Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Illinois to join the protests in New Jersey.
Interestingly, only three of those arrested were from New Jersey itself, while one came from Connecticut and five from New York, most having recently relocated to New York City. This unrest has persisted for about three weeks, following a hunger strike by around 300 detainees protesting alleged inhumane conditions at the facility.
On social media, at least a couple of the demonstrators are tied to underground financial groups advocating for “shutting down Delaney Hall” and the abolition of ICE.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) expressed his concerns, stating, “There’s an organized effort to create anarchy. To me, that’s insane. This is America. We have the rule of law and it has to stop.”
Those arrested include a range of individuals:
- Zion Napier, a 28-year-old activist from Seattle, was seen on police footage causing damage to vehicles. He has been charged with multiple counts of criminal mischief.
- Mariano Anthony Perez, 31, traveled from Phoenix and allegedly struck a federal agent while blocking access to the detention center.
- Thomas Clemens, 30, of Chicago, worked as a physical therapist and has been involved in various social causes online. He faces charges related to a violent encounter with law enforcement.
- Rayaan Bajwa, 22, an actor from Connecticut, noted on his resume that his experiences with prejudice have shaped his activism.
- Persephone Ambriz Squires, 27, from Albuquerque, has a background in photography and was arrested for her participation in the protests.
- Sarah Sullivan, 25, comes from a notable family and has also been charged with rioting.
- Julianna Wurst, 19, from New Jersey, has been vocal about her radical beliefs on social media.
It appears that a far-left organization provided participants with protective gear and was actively relaying updates about the protests on social media, suggesting a level of organization behind the unrest.
Two of the key figures involved in the protests are linked to the radical nonprofit Sunrise Movement, which has a significant monetary backing from wealthy donors, including George Soros. Solomon Dunston, one of the few residents from New Jersey among those arrested, has openly promoted the organization.
This group, which began as a climate activism entity in 2017, has shifted its focus to protesting against ICE, suggesting a well-coordinated strategy beyond spontaneous grassroots efforts.
Critics have pointed out that the resources brought to these protests indicate a lack of genuine grassroots support. Chuck Flint, a former prosecutor, argued that the efforts resemble organized activities rather than organic movements, highlighting a complex web of recruitment and strategy.
As of now, many of those arrested have not responded to messages regarding the events, and the Sunrise Movement has also remained silent on the matter.
