Newark imposes overnight curfew around Delaney Hall ICE detention center amid protests and arrests

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced on Sunday, May 31, that the city is imposing a mandatory overnight curfew around the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility following several days of escalating protests, arrests, and confrontations involving law enforcement officers.

The restrictions took effect immediately and cover an area within a half-mile radius of the detention center.

City officials said the measures were necessary as tensions around the facility continued to grow and police resources were increasingly being deployed to the area.

Newark imposes curfew near ICE detention center

In a statement announcing the emergency measure, Baraka said authorities could no longer ignore the security concerns developing around the facility.

“Due to the escalating situation at Delaney Hall and the increasing need for police intervention, immediate action is required to protect public safety,” Baraka said.

The mayor also revealed that multiple arrests had already been made during recent demonstrations.

“Multiple individuals have already been arrested and found in possession of weapons, underscoring the seriousness of the threat,” he continued. 

Under the order, the curfew will remain in effect daily from 9 PM until 6 AM and will stay in place “until further notice.” City officials also announced additional restrictions beginning at midnight Sunday.

Doremus Avenue will be closed to pedestrians, while vehicle access will be limited only to individuals with official business in the area. Baraka warned that anyone violating the curfew could face arrest after receiving a warning from authorities.

Arrest escalates Delaney Hall tensions

The curfew announcement comes as federal officials continue highlighting recent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement personnel assigned to protect the detention center.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently announced charges against 26-year-old Brendan John Geier, who prosecutors allege assaulted federal officers during a protest near Delaney Hall.

According to federal authorities, the confrontation happened on May 21 at approximately 10:30 PM during a large demonstration focused on conditions inside the detention facility.

Federal prosecutors claim a crowd had blocked the roadway leading to Delaney Hall. Officers instructed demonstrators to move back, but authorities say the crowd refused to leave the area.

The Department of Justice alleges that Geier then became involved in a physical altercation with officers.

Prosecutors say he kicked officers and bit two federal agents, leaving both with injuries that required emergency medical treatment. Following the arrest, Blanche emphasized that demonstrations do not excuse violence.

“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers,” he said.

Federal authorities condemn attacks on officers

Federal officials have continued to defend law enforcement actions around the detention center while warning that criminal conduct will be prosecuted.

Sharing photographs that allegedly showed injured officers, Blanche said federal personnel were protecting government property during the demonstrations.

“With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking. We will not tolerate the vicious attacks we have seen in Newark the last few days, and we will make arrests and hold people accountable for criminal conduct,” he said.

Markwayne Mullin also weighed in on the incident, calling Geier a “violent agitator.”

“The Trump Administration will ALWAYS stand with our federal law enforcement officers. Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mullin wrote.