Federal officials and local law enforcement reported arrests Friday as demonstrations outside Delaney Hall in Newark intensified, with confrontations leading to the use of pepper spray along Doremus Avenue.
Newark, N.J. – Authorities reported escalating tensions Friday outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, where protesters and law enforcement officers gathered amid ongoing demonstrations related to federal immigration enforcement policies. Federal officials said at least one arrest was made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while local police also reported an arrest during the unrest.
Protesters have attacked innocent people entering and exiting the facility, in one instance, a car window was smashed by rioters.
Key Points
• Federal and local authorities reported arrests during demonstrations outside Delaney Hall.
• Confrontations along Doremus Avenue reportedly resulted in the deployment of pepper spray.
• Homeland Security officials warned that assaults on law enforcement and unlawful activity would be prosecuted.
Demonstrators continued to rally outside the facility as tensions mounted throughout the day. Reports from the scene indicated confrontations between protesters and law enforcement personnel, prompting officers to take crowd-control measures.
Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the individuals arrested or the specific charges they may face.
Homeland Security issues warning
In a statement posted Friday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said unlawful conduct during demonstrations would not be tolerated.
“Lawlessness will NOT be tolerated,” the agency said in a social media post. “ANYONE who riots or assaults our law enforcement will be found, arrested, and prosecuted. Law and order will prevail.”
Federal officials have not publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding the ICE arrest referenced in the statement.
Demonstrations continue
The protests outside Delaney Hall are part of broader violent demonstrations surrounding immigration detention and enforcement policies. Organizers and activists have continued to call for public participation, while law enforcement agencies have maintained a significant presence in the area.
A nationwide call for protesters was made on organized signal chats this week, setting up a protentially violent showdown between radical protesters and police.
Officials urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and warned that criminal activity could result in arrest and prosecution. The situation remained active Friday evening, and authorities said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
Photo – Artistic Rendering of Incident at Delaney Hall