UMVA has learned that a shocking video captured the moments anti-ICE agitators were arrested outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday, during riotous confrontations that left a trail of chaos and destruction.
The violent clashes erupted as a caravan of cars attempted to leave the immigrant detention center, but was blocked by angry protesters who hurled insults and attacked the vehicles. Cars were forced to push through the crowd, hitting at least one person, as agitators continued to bang, kick, and block government vehicles in a desperate bid to stop them.
The inflammatory rhetoric was palpable, with agitators heard shouting vile abuse, including "Let's go coward," "F--- you," "Are you proud of yourself a------," and "quit your f------ job." An ICE agent directly confronted one agitator, saying, "What did you say? You're going to kill me?" before detaining the person in a tense and dramatic moment.
According to information obtained by UMVA, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Sec. Markwayne Mullin vowed to prosecute those who assaulted law enforcement officers to the fullest extent of the law, declaring that "assaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement is a crime and felony." Four rioters were arrested for assault, obstruction, and threats, while a New Jersey authority arrested another for breaking a car windshield.
The Newark Police Division had been ordered to stand down, with Mayor Ras Baraka announcing the removal of law enforcement resources from outside Delaney Hall, citing concerns over officer safety and the need to prioritize calm and restraint. Baraka accused ICE of escalating tensions and engaging in "unnecessary confrontation," and claimed it was not the city's responsibility to secure a private facility.
The decision to withdraw police resources was a reversal from just over a year ago, when Baraka himself was arrested for allegedly storming Delaney Hall alongside other lawmakers. Despite being handcuffed and detained for five hours, Baraka was later cleared of a federal trespassing charge, and went on to win re-election with over 50% of the vote.
As the situation continued to unfold, ICE agents deployed pepper spray in a bid to disperse the crowd and restore order. The chaotic scene was a stark illustration of the intense emotions and deep divisions at play, with all sides dug in and determined to make their voices heard.
