Fox News’ Alexis McAdams fires back after foul-mouthed anti-ICE protester disrupts live broadcast

Alexis McAdams addressed the disruption directly, noting that such behavior is something journalists frequently encounter while covering protests
While reporting on ongoing demonstrations tied to alleged detainee hunger strikes and claims about facility conditions, Fox News reporter Alexis McAdams was repeatedly interrupted by a protester who hurled abusive language at her on air (X/@JoeConchaTV)
While reporting on ongoing demonstrations tied to alleged detainee hunger strikes and claims about facility conditions, Fox News reporter Alexis McAdams was repeatedly interrupted by a protester who hurled abusive language at her on air (X/@JoeConchaTV)

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY: A Fox News reporter didn’t flinch after an anti-ICE protester repeatedly hurled insults during a live broadcast outside a New Jersey detention center.

The incident took place when Alexis McAdams was reporting on Tuesday, May 26, from outside Delaney Hall in Newark, where detainees are reportedly staging a hunger strike over alleged conditions inside the facility.

Fox News reporter shuts down foul-mouthed protester

As she moved through the crowd during a live shot and attempted to explain the scene to viewers, one demonstrator reportedly started harassing her.

“You are a protester who’s been out here and you have a dirty mouth,” McAdams said on air, addressing the woman directly.

The unidentified protester responded by repeatedly shouting, “You’re a N**i b***h, you’re a N**i b****h.”

Rather than disengage, McAdams folded the interruption into her reporting.

“Okay, so, that’s just what we deal with,” she said. “So just for people that want to know what it’s like to cover these protests, it’s constant with this, it’s what these people do.”



The protester fired back again, “People inside are dying, and you’re lying!”

McAdams continued her report without breaking stride.

“They want people who are in this country illegally to be released out onto the streets. DHS says that’s what they’re not going to be doing," she said.

The woman kept going, pointing at her and shouting into the camera, “N**i b***h, that’s what you are! N**i b***h!”

Back in the studio, Will Cain responded with a jab of his own.

“That is that is an eloquent argument made against the presence of Alexis McAdams reporting on what’s happening there outside of Newark,” Cain said. “Stay safe, Alexis.”

Protests grow as New Jersey Democrats join the scene

The demonstrations outside the 1,000-bed Newark facility have continued to swell, drawing attention from several Democratic officials in New Jersey.

Among those who appeared at the site over the weekend was Mikie Sherrill, who joined demonstrations but later said she was denied entry to the detention center.

Sen Andy Kim and Representatives Rob Menendez and Nellie Pou also visited the facility.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 15:  Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) speaks during a rally and news conference ahead of a
Andy Kim speaks during a rally and news conference ahead of a House vote on health care and prescription drug legislation in the Rayburn Room at the US Capitol on May 15, 2019, in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

Kim’s visit turned rather tense. According to reports, the senator attempted to negotiate between protesters and federal agents to calm the situation. During the confrontation, agents reportedly pushed crowds back and launched projectiles containing chemical irritants. Kim was allegedly hit with the spray when he stepped between both sides and raised his arms as if to say, “Stop.”

“It’s just burning," Kim remarked after the incident. He later said, “What we saw here is unfortunately just what we see all over the country. It’s sad, it’s a sad day.”



Sherrill said she spoke with relatives of detainees who alleged spoiled food and insufficient medical treatment at the detention center.

“No matter what your immigration status is, you shouldn’t be treated with anything less than dignity in this country,” she said.

Additional allegations include migrants being housed in overcrowded rooms without air conditioning and facing delays in immigration proceedings.

However, federal immigration authorities dispute those accounts. ICE has maintained that conditions in its detention facilities meet standards that are stronger than “most US prisons that hold actual US citizens.”

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