“THE CROWD KEPT GROWING… THEN POLICE MOVED IN.”

More than 20 protesters arrested outside New Jersey ICE detention center after curfew crackdown as tensions at Delaney Hall continue to escalate

Tensions outside New Jersey’s Delaney Hall immigration detention center escalated dramatically Sunday night after police arrested more than 20 protesters during a sweeping curfew crackdown near the Newark facility.

The arrests came after officials enforced a newly imposed overnight curfew aimed at preventing further unrest around the embattled ICE detention center, which has become the focus of growing demonstrations over recent weeks.

Witnesses at the scene described a heavy police presence as officers in riot gear sealed off portions of Doremus Avenue around the facility, blocking demonstrators from moving closer to the building.

As the 9 p.m. curfew took effect, police repeatedly ordered crowds to disperse. While many protesters left the area, others remained gathered outside the perimeter, continuing chants against immigration enforcement and federal detention policies.

According to reports from the scene, officers then advanced toward the remaining crowd. Moments later, multiple arrests were made as tensions intensified.

Video shared online showed protesters being handcuffed and escorted onto Essex County Sheriff’s Department buses while officers in helmets and tactical gear formed barricade lines around the area.

The Department of Homeland Security later posted footage of the arrests and issued a firm public warning.

“If you riot, you will face the consequences. Law and order prevails. ZERO tolerance for rioters,” the agency said.

The curfew was introduced by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. around Delaney Hall until further notice.

City officials say the emergency measure was introduced after repeated confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement earlier in the week.

The protests have centered around allegations involving conditions inside the detention center, with advocates and several Democratic officials raising concerns about treatment of detainees and access for visitation.

Reports have also claimed some detainees inside the facility launched a hunger strike.

Federal officials have pushed back strongly against those accusations, arguing that conditions at Delaney Hall meet required standards and remain above those found in many correctional institutions across the country.

The increasingly tense standoff has now become one of the most closely watched immigration flashpoints in the region.

Supporters of the demonstrations say the arrests reflect growing frustration over immigration policy and detention conditions.

Critics argue authorities had little choice after repeated clashes and escalating tensions outside the center.

With dramatic footage of Sunday night’s arrests continuing to spread across social media, the debate shows no signs of slowing.

And with the curfew still in place, many are now watching to see one thing:

Will the protests calm… or is Delaney Hall heading into an even more volatile week ahead?

Source: New York Post