The situation in Newark, New Jersey escalated Friday night as rioters opposed to immigration enforcement measures clashed with state police. Despite orders to move to a designated ‘First Amendment zone’, the group chose to confront officers directly outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility. This decision led to a violent encounter with law enforcement.
Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized law enforcement’s role in protecting rioters from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Police attempted to calm the situation using a public address system, yet members of the crowd insisted on exercising their rights on the spot. The confrontation intensified, requiring riot control measures like noise bombs, tear gas grenades, pepper spray, and mounted officers to disperse the crowd.
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.
Sherrill’s comments came amid her concerns about public safety risks if the ICE agents’ presence surged. Newark’s status as a sanctuary state limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Protesters condemned alleged mistreatment of detainees at the detention facility, whereas the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed detainees received adequate care and were paid for work performed. Despite these assurances, rioters stocked their protest site with supplies, readying for long-term opposition.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have expressed gratitude to law enforcement for maintaining order amid threats and violence against officers. Videos shared depict organized rioters supplying peers with necessities to sustain their protests.
Saturday morning’s counter-protest by pro-ICE groups prompted a large police turnout to prevent further hostilities. The protest marked a week-long stance against current immigration enforcement policies in New Jersey.