Violence broke out outside an immigration detention centre in New Jersey after tensions escalated during an anti-ICE protest, prompting police to deploy tear gas and mounted officers to disperse crowds gathered near the facility.
Hundreds of demonstrators assembled outside the Delaney Hall detention centre in Newark, where anti-immigration enforcement protesters and pro-ICE supporters gathered throughout the day. The unrest intensified as some protesters pushed against barriers surrounding the centre.
Authorities responded with crowd control measures after clashes erupted, while state officials defended the police response and urged calm amid growing tensions around immigration enforcement.
Protesters and police clash outside detention centre
More than 200 people gathered outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention centre in Newark during demonstrations focused on immigration enforcement policies.
Tensions increased after some protesters reportedly pushed metal barricades surrounding the privately operated facility. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as police moved to contain the growing unrest.
New Jersey State Police officers wearing riot gear later entered the area and used crowd control measures to disperse protesters as confrontations intensified.
Police deploy tear gas and mounted officers
Police responded by firing tear gas after demonstrators allegedly threw rocks and bottles at officers near the detention centre.
Mounted police officers later joined the operation as authorities attempted to clear streets and restore order around the facility. Some protesters called on crowds to remain calm and comply with police instructions.
Reports also said demonstrators set a fire in the street outside the detention centre, adding to concerns about public safety during the protest.
Before violence escalated, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid creating further tensions.
Sherrill later defended the deployment of state police, calling it necessary to maintain safety as unrest spread outside the detention centre.
The governor also urged people travelling from outside New Jersey not to inflame tensions or contribute to disorder during demonstrations.
Delaney Hall remains focus of criticism
The Delaney Hall detention centre has faced growing scrutiny in recent days amid demonstrations against immigration enforcement and detention conditions.
Earlier in the week, immigration agents reportedly pepper-sprayed US Senator Andy Kim during a protest connected to demonstrations at the facility.
Some detainees have reportedly launched a hunger strike, raising concerns about food quality and access to medical treatment, although the Trump administration has denied allegations of poor conditions.
Federal officials rejected accusations made by detainees and protesters, arguing claims about mistreatment inside the facility are inaccurate.
The Trump administration accused some protesters of disorderly conduct and assaults against law enforcement officers during recent demonstrations.
Officials have continued defending immigration enforcement operations while warning against violence near federal detention facilities.
