Coordinated Protests at New Jersey ICE Facility

On June 3, at 11:30 a.m., a signal on social media urged protesters to gather at Delaney Hall, the ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Known for its contentious role in immigration enforcement, Delaney Hall became a focal point once again, fueled by influencers from anti-Israel, Marxist, and Democratic groups such as the ‘Palestine Solidarity Working Group’ and ‘Al-Awda.’

These groups relied on encrypted platforms like Signal to mobilize hundreds of activists, who used monikers like ‘framed.unrest’ to coordinate logistics. They prepared for resistance with items such as goggles, respirators, and protective gear.

An investigation by Fox News Digital highlighted that these protests are far from spontaneous. Instead, they are the culmination of years of planning by a network of organized, well-funded groups. This network exploits controversies to challenge federal immigration policies at a broader level.

Nicknamed the ‘Delaney Hall 100,’ the protest network comprises organizations like the ACLU and Democratic Socialists of America. Together, these groups have a collective annual revenue of around $850 million. Utilizing IRS designations such as 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4), they benefit from tax deductions and certain exemptions.

The Treasury Department and lawmakers have launched investigations into potential abuses of nonprofit laws to incite conflict and discord. The network uses shared messaging around a strategic document known as the ‘Delaney Hall Creator Brief.’ It calls for labeling the detention center as a ‘concentration camp’ and detainees as ‘captives.’

The approach resembles insurgency tactics used in Minneapolis, causing concern among experts. Chuck Flint, a former U.S. Senate chief of staff, stated that these protests are ‘manufactured strategic endeavors by an army of nonprofits.’ Their combined financial power often surpasses city budgets, and they can overwhelm public safety resources.

Recent events saw far-left groups merging with immigrant rights groups, including the U.S. Revolutionary Communist Party and the Black Panthers. The protests featured tents stocked with necessary supplies, reflecting substantial preparation.

Marxist influencer Hasan Piker appeared briefly at a protest, advocating for detainees’ demands. He labeled the tents stocked with riot-geared items as ‘mutual aid.’

Preparations were meticulous, involving detailed logistics shared on platforms like Signal. Activists coordinated resources such as transportation, food, drinks, and first-aid supplies. Safety precautions against pepper spray and tear gas were a part of their planning.

The protests at Delaney Hall were the result of a year’s quiet activism. During May, detainees initiated hunger and labor strikes, prompting rapid mobilization by advocacy groups, legal organizations, faith leaders, and local officials. Congressional attention turned the issue into a national political discussion.

The origins of this movement date back to February 2025 when GEO Group Inc. announced plans to reopen Delaney Hall as a federal immigration detention facility. Legal challenges followed, with Newark’s Mayor Ras Baraka opposing the project.

Initial protests started with a lone activist but soon evolved into daily vigils at the facility. This grassroots initiative led to broader coalitions like ‘Eyes on ICE NJ’ and ‘ICE Out of NJ,’ collaborating on advocacy, legal assistance, and media engagement.

The Delaney Hall protests demonstrate the power of well-organized networks, backed by funding from donors like Open Society Foundations and NEO Philanthropies. Critics point to these networks’ secrecy concerning their operations and identities.

State and local leaders, such as Senator Cory Booker and Rep. Rob Menendez, also became involved in the debates. Despite this, protesters have shown dissatisfaction with elected officials, organizing demonstrations outside prominent offices.

The protest activities have seen mounting tension, with some protesters wearing protective gear and adopting tactics that echo military operations. The coordination reveals an underlying strategic approach to achieving political impact.