Detectives from the Newark Police Division conducted an undercover operation at protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Delaney Hall detention facility earlier this month, as detailed in court records obtained by The Intercept. The protests, which began on June 3, were prompted by a hunger strike within the facility. During the protests, officers in plainclothes collaborated with uniformed officers to arrest Samuel Becker, who is accused of throwing items into a fire during a previous protest.
The protests had been ongoing for nearly a month, with participants voicing concerns over conditions at the privately operated facility. Becker's arrest was described in a criminal complaint filed by police officer Elddy Torres, which stated that undercover detectives were deployed to monitor the protest and report real-time information to surveillance units. Torres noted that Becker was seen coordinating protesters past a barricaded area.
Amol Sinha, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, commented on the potential chilling effect of law enforcement presence at protests, emphasizing the importance of protecting First Amendment rights. He stated that the use of plainclothes officers raises concerns about constant surveillance during protected activities.
The report also highlighted issues regarding cooperation between ICE and local authorities, which is prohibited under a New Jersey state law passed in March. Becker and eyewitnesses claimed that ICE agents led the operation that resulted in his arrest, although the police report attributed the arrest solely to Newark police and Essex County Police, omitting ICE's involvement.
The ACLU has advocated for stricter laws to prevent collaboration between local police and ICE. Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda defended the use of undercover officers, stating it was necessary to ensure public safety during protests.
Demonstrations outside Delaney Hall had been met with aggressive responses from ICE agents, including the use of batons and pepper spray. Becker reported being injured during a confrontation with ICE agents prior to his arrest. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has publicly opposed ICE's actions but has faced criticism for the city's policing of protests. The protests have continued, although with diminished intensity since the initial weeks.