NEWARK, N.J. – Federal agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) responded to unlawful protest activity outside Delaney Hall, a detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees are reportedly engaged in a hunger and labor strike. Authorities took action to maintain order and ensure the safety of personnel and detainees after demonstrators attempted to obstruct official operations.

For six days, a group of detainees at Delaney Hall have participated in a hunger and labor strike, according to reports. This internal action prompted a gathering of demonstrators outside the facility, some of whom engaged in disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior.

While peaceful assembly is a constitutionally protected right, attempts to block vehicles and interfere with law enforcement operations are unlawful and cannot be tolerated. Law enforcement has a responsibility to maintain order and ensure the safety of all individuals, including detainees and staff, within and around detention facilities.

The reported use of chemical agents and batons by ICE agents was a necessary response to escalating tensions and unlawful actions by protesters. Agents are authorized to use appropriate force to maintain order and prevent disruptions that could jeopardize the security of the facility or the safety of those inside.

Secretary of DHS, Markwayne Mullin, reported that six protesters were arrested for their involvement in the unlawful activity. These arrests underscore the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and sending a clear message that illegal behavior will not be tolerated.

The protests at Delaney Hall are occurring against a backdrop of ongoing debate about immigration enforcement policies. It is important to remember that ICE agents are tasked with enforcing the laws of the United States, as passed by Congress and upheld by the courts. Their role is to ensure that those who violate our immigration laws are held accountable and that our borders are secure.

Open borders and lax enforcement of immigration laws create a national security risk and incentivize illegal immigration, which strains resources and undermines the rule of law. It is essential that our immigration system is both fair and effective, and that we prioritize the safety and security of our communities.