Clashes Erupt at New Jersey ICE Facility Amid Protests and Curfew Imposed

Tensions escalated for a second consecutive night outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, as protesters clashed with New Jersey State Police. The confrontations culminated Saturday night with multiple rounds of tear gas deployed to disperse crowds that overwhelmed police barricades and challenged the designated peaceful protest zone.

In response to the unrest, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced a mandatory curfew within a half-mile radius of Delaney Hall, effective immediately and lasting nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Doremus Avenue, adjacent to the facility, was closed to pedestrian traffic, and vehicle access was restricted to those with verified official business. “Multiple individuals have already been arrested and found in possession of weapons, underscoring the seriousness of the threat,” Baraka said, emphasizing the need to protect public safety.

The day began with dueling rallies: supporters of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) gathered alongside a larger group protesting the detention center’s conditions. Republican leaders organized the pro-ICE rally, while opponents accused the facility of subjecting detainees to inhumane treatment, including hunger and labor strikes. Democratic lawmakers joined the demonstrations, with New York Assemblymember Claire Valdez stating, “They are being held in terrible conditions. They are being forced to sign their own deportation orders.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied these allegations, asserting detainees receive three meals daily and comprehensive medical care.

Protesters supporting ICE, including Rachel Castillo, expressed their stance, saying, “Anyone who is not here in this country legally, I mean, you need to go back. I mean, come back the right way.” The arrival of the far-right group Proud Boys heightened tensions, though an increased police presence maintained order during the daytime.

Late Friday night, state police in riot gear confronted protesters equipped with gas masks and goggles after repeated orders to relocate to a designated protest zone were ignored. Six individuals were arrested on charges including disorderly conduct, endangering others, and obstruction of justice. Five of those arrested were from outside New Jersey, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill to criticize out-of-state agitators, stating, “You are not helping the people detained at Delaney Hall, you’re not helping detainee families, and you’re certainly not keeping New Jersey safe.”

Governor Sherrill emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and compliance with police orders, noting, “My top priority is keeping New Jerseyans and our communities safe.” She also highlighted the threat posed by a potential increased ICE presence outside the facility.

The protests have been marked by violent encounters, including ICE officers deploying pepper spray and reports of protesters throwing projectiles and setting fires. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport condemned the violence, stating, “We denounce any violent conduct that interferes with peaceful protesting.”

DHS described the arrests as part of a “coordinated campaign of violence against our ICE law enforcement,” warning that such violence “must end.” The agency also reported that ICE agents faced assaults and death threats during the demonstrations.

Inside the facility, GEO Group, the private company managing Delaney Hall, responded to allegations of abuse by confirming a physical altercation among detainees was addressed with limited use of chemical agents and that affected individuals were medically cleared. The company rejected accusations of mistreatment as “baseless” and “politically motivated,” affirming that detainees have access to medical care, dietitian-approved meals, and religious accommodations.

A Morris County man, Brendan John Geier, faces charges for allegedly assaulting ICE officers during protests, including biting and kicking agents. He was released with location monitoring and barred from returning to Delaney Hall.

The situation remains volatile as authorities enforce the curfew and maintain a heavy police presence, including officers with riot shields and federal agents equipped with long guns and an armored vehicle. Mayor Baraka and state officials continue to call for peaceful demonstrations while prioritizing public safety around the detention center.