New Jersey State Police engaged with protesters at Delaney Hall late Friday as they facilitated the exit of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employees from the detention center. This action followed an order from Governor Mikie Sherrill to create a designated protest zone outside the Newark facility, which has experienced ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations for the past week.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport reported that the majority of protesters complied with police requests to allow vehicles carrying federal officials to pass. However, a small number of individuals did not comply and engaged in dangerous actions, such as deploying fireworks and throwing gas canisters at law enforcement. Davenport stated that to ensure safety, State Police temporarily cleared the area outside Delaney Hall.
The protests have generally been tolerated by New Jersey Democrats as long as they remain peaceful, but recent clashes between demonstrators and police have increased, particularly during nighttime. Governor Sherrill emphasized that clearing the area was necessary to protect public safety and prevent escalation from ICE operations. She called for improved conditions for detainees and advocated for the closure of Delaney Hall.
Several arrests have occurred, including one individual who threatened to kill an ICE officer and his family. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche commended the FBI for apprehending this individual. Sherrill reiterated her commitment to public safety and her opposition to giving ICE a reason to expand operations in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Assembly GOP criticized Sherrill's stance against ICE, noting her previous legislation banning ICE officers from wearing masks to conceal their identities. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin expressed gratitude to the governor for allowing state police to cooperate with federal authorities after previous refusals. Sherrill supports the closure of Delaney Hall, which is operated by the GEO Group.
On Monday, Sherrill and other New Jersey Democrats were denied access to Delaney Hall during an attempted oversight visit. The situation remains fluid as both anti-ICE and pro-ICE demonstrators are expected to gather at the facility on Saturday.