Protests and Arrests at New Jersey ICE Detention Center
On Sunday night, tensions escalated outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in New Jersey, leading to the arrest of at least 20 demonstrators. This came after a new curfew was put in place to address three consecutive weeks of violent protests. The Department of Homeland Security affirmed its commitment to a “zero tolerance for rioters” policy.
Local and state law enforcement officials blocked Doremus Street near Newark’s Delaney Hall to prevent large gatherings of protesters. The police were actively working to stop illegal activities, as reported.
The protest crowd dwindled to about 100 people after the imposition of a 9 p.m. curfew intended to disperse the gathering. Riot police moved in, urging people to clear out.
As demonstrators chanted slogans like “Give Peace a Chance” and “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist America,” police responded by deploying tear gas, which led to some chaos. Around 50 protesters and media members found themselves encircled.
Press members managed to exit the group, but police arrested approximately 20 to 25 remaining protesters. The exact number of arrests was not confirmed right away.
Some of the arrests took place against a wall marked with the graffiti “KILL ICE.” Videos shared by DHS depicted protesters being escorted to an Essex County Sheriff’s Department bus, accompanied by officers in riot gear.
In one instance, a video showed a man being dragged away by officers, which the DHS captioned on social media as a warning to others.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized, “If you riot, you will face the consequences. Law and order prevails.” Authorities made it clear that there would be no tolerance for disruptive behavior.
In the wake of recent violent encounters between anti-ICE protesters and law enforcement, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has enforced a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the area until further notice. People violating this curfew may receive a warning initially but could face legal consequences for repeated offenses.
The Delaney Hall facility has faced scrutiny since May 22, when state leaders expressed concerns over poor living conditions and limited visiting hours. Reports indicate that some detainees initiated a hunger strike in response. Nevertheless, the Trump administration asserted that conditions at the facility are better than many other prisons across the nation.
