Clashes Erupt Between Rioters and Police at New Jersey ICE Facility

A confrontation ensued in Newark, New Jersey, as organized rioters ignored state police directives to move to a designated ‘First Amendment zone.’ This led to a fierce clash between the rioters and law enforcement on Friday night.

The conflict occurred despite New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s assurance that law enforcement was present to protect protesters from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Over a public address system, a police officer instructed the crowd, ‘For your security, we need you to relocate to the First Amendment zone.’ However, many in the crowd refused to comply, asserting, ‘We will not, we will not, I’m expressing my First Amendment right here.’

The standoff took place at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, where anti-ICE protestors confronted federal agents. The situation escalated as state troopers, including mounted officers, implemented riot control tactics such as noise bombs, tear gas grenades, and pepper spray to disperse the mob. Protesters reportedly used barriers set up by police to resist.

Governor Sherrill expressed her commitment to public safety on social media, stating, ‘My top priority is keeping New Jerseyans and our communities safe – and an increased ICE surge in the area outside of Delaney Hall is a threat to public safety.’ She noted that potential escalation could put lives at risk.

In the same night, protestors damaged ICE vehicles outside the facility. Despite the tension, ICE praised police efforts on social media, acknowledging the importance of their cooperation in countering violent rioters.

New Jersey’s status as a ‘sanctuary state’ limits the cooperation between federal immigration authorities and local law enforcement. While protesters allege mistreatment of detainees at the facility, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated inmates are well cared for and are even compensated for work on-site. DHS claims most inmates have committed crimes in the United States, apart from their immigration status.

The clashes on Friday marked the seventh consecutive day of protests at the detention center. Saturday morning saw counter-protesters and pro-ICE groups gather, with police presence heightened in response.