NEWARK, N.J. – On Friday night, organized rioters engaged in a confrontation with State Police after defying orders to move to a designated “First Amendment zone.” This led to a violent clash near the ICE facility at Delaney Hall.
Governor Mikie Sherrill had communicated that law enforcement was on-site to protect demonstrators from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Over a public address system, an officer urged the crowd to relocate for their safety, saying, “For your security, we need you to relocate to the First Amendment zone.” The crowd responded, “We will not, we will not, I’m expressing my First Amendment right here.”
State Police officers, including some on horseback, used aggressive measures like noise bombs, tear gas, pepper spray, and riot shields to disperse the rioters. Barriers set by police earlier in the day were taken over by the crowd and used in their confrontation with officers.
Governor Sherrill emphasized the importance of safety, remarking on Saturday morning, “My top priority is keeping New Jerseyans and our communities safe – and an increased ICE surge in the area outside of Delaney Hall is a threat to public safety.” She insisted she would not tolerate the potential risks posed by ICE presence.
During the clash, several ICE vehicles were damaged. The confrontation is a part of ongoing demonstrations at the facility. New Jersey is a “sanctuary state,” where local law enforcement limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In response to the situation, ICE expressed gratitude for the police presence on social media. They stated, “Thank you, @NJSP for cooperating with us to restore law and order. This partnership sends a clear message: assaults, threats, and abuse towards law enforcement officers WILL NOT be tolerated.”
The Department of Homeland Security also voiced thanks for police collaboration, highlighting the challenges faced by their officers during the riots.
Protesters prepared for the clash with a supply tent near the protest site, which had thousands of water bottles and other supplies. DHS countered protester claims of mistreatment of detainees, stating that those held have committed crimes in the U.S. while being in the country illegally.
The protest, which entered its seventh day, saw intense clashes resulting in damage to property and the use of pepper spray. Counter-protesters and pro-ICE groups gathered the following morning, increasing police presence for further demonstrations.