Protesters, New Jersey State Police clash near Delaney Hall, not long after 9 p.m. curfew begins
Protesters Clash with New Jersey State Police Near Delaney Hall
Protesters New Jersey State Police clash - Protesters and New Jersey State Police engaged in a heated confrontation near Delaney Hall in Newark, just minutes after a 9 p.m. curfew was enforced by Mayor Ras Baraka. The curfew, which restricts movement within a half-mile of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, was implemented to curb escalating tensions during ongoing protests. These demonstrations, which have continued for over a week, have centered on allegations that detainees are facing inadequate food and medical care, prompting local activists and community members to demand accountability.
Curfew Enforcement Sparks Conflict
As the curfew took effect, New Jersey State Police deployed in full riot gear to disperse the gathered protesters. Officers on horseback maneuvered through the crowd, creating a tense standoff that drew attention from onlookers. The clash highlighted the growing divide between demonstrators and law enforcement, with protesters asserting their right to free expression while authorities focused on maintaining order. The timing of the confrontation—just 13 minutes after the curfew began—underscored the urgency of the situation.
One protester, Ian Austen, described the physical and emotional toll of the night’s events to CBS News New York. “I’m standing up there, like putting my hands up, expressing my First Amendment rights,” he said, recounting being struck by a rubber bullet and a canister that injured his lower body. His account emphasized the protesters’ determination despite the violence. “There’s a huge bruise on my thigh. They shot me in the leg and again on the chest,” he added, demonstrating the injuries to the camera. The incident raised questions about the proportionality of the police response.
Family Visitation Returns Amid Protests
Earlier in the day, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that family visitation at Delaney Hall would resume on Sunday, following DHS’s agreement to address detainee concerns. Regular visitation hours were set to start on Monday, with law enforcement aiding in the escort of families into the facility. “It is critical that outside actors allow this to happen safely,” Sherrill wrote on X, balancing her support for detainee rights with a call for public safety. This decision came hours after Saturday’s protests reached a critical point, with tear gas used multiple times to clear the crowd.
Sherrill criticized the violent clashes, stating, “The rising temperatures with ICE are making it harder for families to connect with their loved ones.” She also expressed frustration with the disruptive actions of some protesters, who she believed were overshadowing the plight of those detained. “Violent confrontations hurt everyone involved,” she argued, stressing the need for peaceful demonstrations that would better support the detainees’ cause.
Detainee Conditions Under Scrutiny
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka reinforced the curfew, addressing concerns about external agitators contributing to the chaos. “You are not helping the people detained at Delaney Hall, you’re not helping detainee families, and you’re certainly not keeping New Jersey safe,” he said during a press conference. His remarks emphasized the importance of peaceful protests while condemning actions that endangered public safety. The curfew was introduced to manage the protests, which had drawn attention to the alleged poor conditions inside the detention center.
Immigration advocates highlighted the detainees’ prolonged hunger strike as a key issue. Baqiyat Green, a protester, expressed frustration with the treatment of those held at Delaney Hall, stating, “None of us are not humans, even if we’re not originally from here.” This sentiment aligns with broader calls for humane treatment, as the hunger strike has drawn significant public attention. The protests have also raised concerns about the broader impact of ICE operations on local communities.