Protesters encounter law enforcement, resulting in detentions as religious leaders congregate at an ICE facility in Newark.
In Newark, New Jersey, on May 12th, a crowd of clergy members and faith leaders unleashed their frustration, gathering outside the ICE detention center to voice demands and call for change.
These outspoken protestors argued that their mission was to continue obstructing the facility's gates until they were arrested. The group, comprising about 50 members from Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action, arm-in-arm, chanted and sang outside the entrance of Delaney Hall Detention Center.
Several speakers led prayers for the detainees within the facility, expressing their disgust towards their incarceration. Their aim was to make an attempt to breach the ICE facility.
Conflicts arose when a blocked ambulance tried to enter the area, but authorities feared the protesters might surge forward if the gate was opened. One protester declared that no ambulance calls were made, labeling it a tactic to encourage protesters to clear out.
As the day wore on, events escalated as facility workers attempted to exit the gated area. Police evacuated protesters as they drove out, though demonstrators resisted and refused to be touched.
Two protesters were eventually apprehended by Newark police, accused of obstruction and resisting arrest. One officer sustained a minor wound on the arm from the scuffle, but remained on duty. No reports of other injuries were discovered.
In response to our reporting, Tricia McLaughlin, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, raised questions, demanding, "Who do they want released from Delaney Hall? The child rapists, murderers, drug traffickers, MS-13 gang members or known terrorists?"
She accused the protesters of endangering law enforcement officers, the facility staff, and the detainees themselves. McLaughlin stated that 75% of detainees at the facility have either committed a crime, been convicted of a crime, or have pending criminal charges.
Contrasting these views, recent polls by the Pew Research Center show that 83% of Americans support deporting at least some immigrants, with 32% favoring deporting all immigrants. Among those who support the deportation of some immigrants, 97% favor the removal of any who have committed violent crimes.
Last week, three Democratic representatives from New Jersey who participated in the Delaney Hall protests defended their actions, arguing that the Trump administration is exploiting law enforcement. They claimed the administration was "determined to intimidate" Americans and "lying at all levels."
Mayor Ras Baraka, who was arrested during this protest, has argued that he was targeted by authorities. Like Baraka, the charges against the two arrested protesters are Class C misdemeanors, carrying maximum sentences of 30 days in prison.
Breaking news in the realm of politics and general-news sees ongoing protests at Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey. During the May 12th demonstration, led by Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action, two protesters were accused of obstruction and resisting arrest, following a scuffle with police. This comes amidst heated debates over the treatment of detainees, with Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Tricia McLaughlin, accusing protesters of endangering law enforcement officers, facility staff, and detainees themselves. In contrast, recent polls by the Pew Research Center show high support among Americans for deporting at least some immigrants, particularly those with violent criminal backgrounds.
