Police have arrested at least 30 individuals for assaulting law enforcement and other felony offenses outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Delaney Hall immigrant detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, since Memorial Day. Some of those arrested traveled from states including Colorado, Connecticut, and Washington to participate in the demonstration that began on May 24, coinciding with a gathering of Democratic lawmakers who demanded to tour the facility, citing concerns over detainee conditions and meals.
City and state police have collaborated with ICE to secure the detention site during the protests and riots that have occurred over the past two weeks. The Justice Department has initiated charges for federal-level crimes related to these incidents.
Nicolas Matthew Scelfo of Brooklyn, New York, faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years for allegedly threatening an ICE officer outside Delaney Hall on May 27. He reportedly made violent threats against the officer's family.
Brendan John Geier, a 26-year-old from Madison, New Jersey, was arrested for assaulting federal officers, among others charged with similar offenses. Newark police also arrested six individuals for blocking the entrance to Delaney Hall and damaging property, including two from out of state.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that those who assault or obstruct ICE will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Justice Department has not commented on the arrests or charges filed.