Videos circulating on social media showcase confrontations between law enforcement officials and protesters outside a New Jersey detention center on Friday night. Patrick Nealis shared footage on the platform X, displaying agents working to disperse demonstrators at the entrance of the Delaney Hall facility in Newark. The video captures two agents detaining a protester, followed by the arrival of several Newark Police vehicles and numerous officers joining the scene.
Nealis commented on the video, “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. In addition, it cleared the way for previously blocked vehicles to enter the side entrance.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), overseeing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), responded on X stating, “Our message to rioters is clear: you will NOT slow us down.” Earlier, DHS posted a video of a masked protester being detained, captioned, “If you riot, you will be ARRESTED. We will NOT be deterred by these violent rioters.” DHS has been contacted for further comments.
Delaney Hall has been a hotbed for protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, with frequent confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. Advocates indicated that detainees inside initiated a hunger strike in response to poor living conditions at the facility housing 1,000 beds. The federal government refutes claims of inadequate conditions and accuses protesters of escalating tensions.
Protesters have persistently gathered outside the facility, aiming to disrupt the movement of vehicles and personnel. Nealis also shared footage of a protester being knocked down by a vehicle leaving the detention center. The video depicts efforts by protesters to obstruct the path of several vehicles. After being hit, people rushed to assist the individual while others continued their attempt to block traffic.
New Jersey Governor Mike Sherill recently announced a significant $20 million funding for a state initiative providing legal defense to immigrants facing deportation proceedings. On Thursday, Sherill declared a $12 million increment for the Detention Deportation Defense Initiative, elevating the program’s total funding beyond $20 million. This financial boost aims to offer low-income families access to legal services, including detainees in Delaney Hall.
Sherill stated, “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and to the rights enshrined in our Constitution […] These include access to due process and a fair hearing under the law, regardless of where you were born.” She emphasized the importance of legal representation as federal policies become increasingly restrictive.
Sherill also revealed a new Rapid Legal Response Initiative to expand immigration defense services statewide. This initiative aims to enhance legal capability for habeas corpus petitions and other federal litigation, supporting New Jersey residents affected by federal immigration enforcement.
In related news, a New Jersey police sergeant has been charged with stealing $10,000 worth of cameras and equipment from a photojournalist injured during protests at Delaney Hall. Darryl Brown, a sergeant with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, was identified after the journalist, Angelina Katsanis, used a geo-tracking device to trace her missing gear to his home.
Katsanis was on assignment for The Associated Press on May 30 when she was struck by a wood beam and left her gear marked with contact information behind. Brown’s theft was confirmed following a review of body camera footage and the execution of a search warrant at his residence, where stolen items were discovered. Brown now faces third-degree theft charges and has been suspended without pay.