Law enforcement and protesters clashed at a New Jersey detention center, as captured on videos shared via social media. Demonstrators gathered outside Delaney Hall in Newark, creating a tense scene on Friday night. In footage posted by Patrick Nealis on X, agents were seen clearing protesters from the entrance. Two agents detained one protester, with more officers arriving as the situation escalated.
Nealis reported, “A coordinated effort from law enforcement just cleared the blockage in front of the main entrance to Delaney Hall enabling a vehicle to leave the facility. Additionally, it cleared the way for previously blocked vehicles to enter the side entrance.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and responded on X, stating, “Our message to rioters is clear: you will NOT slow us down.” A video posted earlier showed a masked protester being detained with the message, “If you riot, you will be ARRESTED. We will NOT be deterred by these violent rioters.” DHS provided no further comment via email sent outside business hours.
Ongoing Protests Over Immigration Crackdown
Delaney Hall has become a focal point for protests against former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Protests intensified recently due to alleged poor living conditions at the facility, with detainees reportedly launching a hunger strike. The federal government disputes these allegations and accuses protesters of escalating tensions.
Protesters have consistently gathered outside the center, aiming to disrupt the movement of vehicles and personnel. Nealis shared another video showing a protester being knocked down by a vehicle leaving the center. The video depicted protesters attempting to block vehicles, with some rushing to aid the person hit.
Nealis wrote, “After an extended standoff between officials and protesters; vehicles exiting Delaney Hall forced their way out. At least one member in the crowd appears to have been hit by an exiting vehicle.”
New Jersey’s Increased Funding for Immigrant Legal Defense
New Jersey Governor Mike Sherrill announced a $20 million funding boost for a state program aiding immigrants facing deportation. On Thursday, he revealed an additional $12 million for the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative, bringing total funding to over $20 million. Sherrill emphasized the importance of legal representation, stating, “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and to the rights enshrined in our Constitution—the rights I swore to protect. These include access to due process and a fair hearing under the law.”
The governor highlighted the need for qualified legal assistance amidst heightened federal challenges to immigration and deportation. Sherrill’s office also announced a Rapid Legal Response Initiative to bolster emergency immigration defense efforts across New Jersey. This initiative aims to expand the state’s legal capacity for habeas corpus petitions and federal litigation, ensuring residents impacted by immigration enforcement have legal support.
Police Sergeant Arrested for Theft
An Essex County police sergeant, Darryl Brown, faces charges after being accused of stealing $10,000 worth of equipment from photojournalist Angelina Katsanis. Katsanis was injured during clashes at Delaney Hall and left her gear bag, which had her contact information, behind.
The equipment was tracked via a geo-tracking device to Brown’s home after the bag was removed. A search of his house revealed several missing items, some marked with Katsanis’ name and phone number. Footage from Brown’s body camera also showed him “interacting” with the bag during the protest. Brown is charged with third-degree theft and has been suspended without pay.
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