Escalating Protests Outside ICE Detention Center in Newark
Protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified on Thursday night at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey. During the riots, demonstrators reportedly attacked agents, using physical force such as biting and kicking.
In response, agents deployed pepper spray and attempted to control the crowd during the sixth consecutive night of protests. The Department of Homeland Security reported that nine participants were arrested amid the altercations.
Around 100 protesters gathered near the facility, shouting slogans against ICE and equipped with black umbrellas and gas masks—likely to shield themselves from the agents’ measures. Agents forcefully moved into the crowd, using pepper spray and confronting those who resisted. Some images from the scene showed protesters attempting to rinse their eyes after exposure to the spray.
“On the evening of May 28th, approximately 100 anti-ICE rioters gathered around the Delaney Hall ICE facility. Rioters bit, kicked, and punched law enforcement officers,” stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Mullin highlighted that state police were not allowed to assist by Governor Sherrill, emphasizing that attacking law enforcement is a serious crime. Nine arrests were made that night, and he insisted that anyone who assaults officers will face legal consequences.
“Law and order will prevail,” he stated firmly.
Interestingly, a Newark police vehicle was spotted briefly passing the scene, which raised eyebrows given that local law enforcement has largely stayed away from aiding federal efforts, as Mullin noted.
Earlier protests started on May 22 when detainees issued a public letter alleging inadequate medical care, insufficient food, and lack of due process. However, the DHS dismissed these claims, asserting that detainees receive meals, clean water, clothing, and other necessities.
The protests continued to gain momentum with the presence of significant Democratic figures, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey Representatives Dan Goldman and Jerrold Nadler, who also attended the demonstrations.
At least one protester threatened an ICE agent directly, saying, “Your children, your wife, all dead. I have your face, motherf—–, you’re dead,” which the Acting Attorney General condemned as a federal crime, stressing the severity of such threats.
Moving forward, authorities are actively seeking those responsible for making violent threats against federal agents. Despite the chaos, Sherrill characterized the demonstrators as peaceful, placing blame on ICE for the confrontations. She also mentioned that a limited health inspection of Delaney Hall was carried out by the state’s Department of Health.
