At least two people were hospitalized after a vehicle leaving the Delaney Hall detention facility struck protesters during a tense night marked by confrontations, arrests and allegations of escalating violence.
Newark, N.J. – Demonstrations outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility intensified Friday night after a vehicle exiting the property struck at least two protesters amid a chaotic confrontation involving dozens of demonstrators and vehicles attempting to leave the site.
Videos circulating online show large groups of protesters surrounding vehicles near the facility entrance and exit points. Protesters began circling civilian employees leaving the facility, damaging their vehicles and trying to prevent them from leaving the facility with force. Several workers were attacked by the angry mob of protesters.
Key Points
• At least two protesters were reportedly hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle outside Delaney Hall.
• Videos posted online show protesters surrounding vehicles entering and exiting the facility.
• Additional arrests and confrontations were reported throughout the night.
Independent videographer Brendan Gutenschwager documented portions of the confrontation, while multiple social media accounts shared footage and eyewitness accounts from the scene.
Conservative commentator Nick Sortor posted that a protester allegedly stepped in front of a vehicle leaving the facility.
“JUST NOW: A rioter who JUMPED IN FRONT OF a civilian employee driving out of Delaney Hall in Newark LOST a game of chicken with the vehicle,” Sortor wrote on X.
Protester says they were struck
Josh Pacheco, a left-wing videographer and self-described journalist who has been documenting the demonstrations, claimed on social media that he was among those struck by a vehicle.
“Just got ran over by GEO employees exiting Delaney Hall… 0 stars,” Pacheco wrote.
Pacheco also alleged that law enforcement imposed restrictions on masks, backpacks and respirators near the protest area and that federal agents later moved in to make arrests.
“Protesters are reporting that NJP have restricted all masks, backpacks and respirators from the area,” Pacheco posted. “Moments later ICE agents descended upon protesters.”
Tensions continue to rise
The latest incident comes amid nearly two weeks of ongoing demonstrations outside Delaney Hall, where protesters have gathered to oppose immigration detention operations at the facility.
Throughout Friday, multiple confrontations were reported between protesters, law enforcement personnel and individuals entering or leaving the detention center. Videos posted online appeared to show shouting matches, physical altercations and demonstrators blocking vehicle movements.
Officials have not yet released a final count of arrests made Friday night. Earlier in the day, Newark police announced the arrest of a Seattle man accused of criminal mischief during protests outside the facility, while federal authorities reported a separate arrest involving an alleged assault on a Homeland Security Investigations officer.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details as investigations into Friday night’s events continue.
The situation is expected to escalate after Governor Mikie Sherill and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka pulled local and state police security details from the facility.