Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the arrest of a man who made death threats against a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer and his family at a protest in New Jersey. The arrest followed Blanche’s vow that the individual would be located after the threats were captured on video.
During an appearance on Fox News’ ‘The Will Cain Show,’ Blanche labeled the threats as a federal crime. He emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting the despicable nature of threatening the officer’s family as well.
“I will kill your whole f—ing family,” the protester can be heard saying in the video. “Your whole f—ing family is dead. Your children and wife all dead. I have your face mother—er! All dead!”
The protest outside Delaney Hall in Newark, N.J., saw federal immigration officers clashing with demonstrators. Blanche mentioned that the ICE officer was merely performing his duties when the threats were made.
On Friday evening, Blanche posted on X, “Told you. @FBI just arrested the man who threatened to kill ICE officers and their families. FAFO.” The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed yet.
The confrontation occurred outside Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center on Thursday night. Protesters had been accused of engaging in aggressive behavior such as biting, kicking, and punching agents. The protest was in its sixth day at that time.
Federal agents responded with pepper spray and force to disperse the crowd. Nine individuals were arrested during the incidents, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Fox News Digital.
Approximately 100 protesters gathered near the detention center, chanting slogans against ICE. They used black umbrellas, gas masks, and other protective gear to shield themselves from law enforcement’s anti-riot measures.
DHS reported that during the confrontation, local police did not assist federal officers, despite multiple calls for help. Governor Sherrill’s stance was cited as a reason for the lack of support, as explained by Mullin on ‘Fox & Friends.’
The protests were initially sparked by detainees’ complaints about conditions, including allegations of inadequate medical care and violations of due process. DHS has denied these claims.