Six people were arrested during overnight demonstrations outside Newark’s Delaney Hall detention facility, including two individuals who police say had already been arrested at previous protests.
Newark police arrested six protesters during demonstrations outside Delaney Hall that continued from Saturday into Sunday, according to city officials, as tensions surrounding the immigration detention facility remained high.
Authorities said the arrests occurred after demonstrators allegedly damaged property and blocked access to the facility, prompting police to declare an unlawful assembly and order participants to disperse.
Key Points
• Six protesters arrested during overnight demonstrations at Delaney Hall
• Police say two arrestees had previously been arrested at earlier protests
• Authorities allege demonstrators blocked facility entrances and damaged property
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda Sr. announced the arrests Sunday and said officers acted after protesters allegedly created safety hazards by obstructing entrances to the facility.
“These arrests were made after the suspects were observed committing property damage and blocking the entrance of Delaney Hall,” Miranda said in a statement released by the Newark Department of Public Safety.
“At that point, an unlawful assembly was ordered, as blocking the entrance is a public safety hazard that puts everyone, including the detainees, in danger. These individuals refused to comply,” he added.
Colorado woman among those arrested
Among those arrested was Allison Wuu, 19, of Fort Collins, Colorado. According to police, Wuu was also arrested during demonstrations at Delaney Hall on June 1.
Authorities also identified Lucas Jimenez, 18, of Hoboken, as a repeat offender who had previously been arrested during protests at the facility earlier this month.
The remaining individuals arrested were identified as Drew Larsen, 28, of Brooklyn, New York; Solomon Dunston, 30, of Bordentown; Rayaan Baywa, 22, of Riverside, Connecticut; and Julianna Wurst, 19, of Old Bridge.
Protests continue outside detention facility
The arrests mark the latest developments in a series of demonstrations that have unfolded outside Delaney Hall in recent weeks.
The facility has become a focal point for immigration activists and advocacy groups protesting federal detention policies and operations at the Newark site.
Police have repeatedly warned demonstrators that blocking entrances, roadways or emergency access points could result in enforcement actions.
Repeat arrests highlight ongoing tensions
The fact that two individuals arrested over the weekend had previously been taken into custody during earlier protests underscores the continuing conflict between demonstrators and law enforcement outside the facility.
Officials have not indicated whether additional charges will be sought against repeat offenders or whether further arrests are anticipated as demonstrations continue.
The protests remain active, with law enforcement maintaining a presence around the facility amid ongoing demonstrations.