Two Protesters Thrown to Ground While Blocking Jeep at Newark ICE Detention Facility
On a recent afternoon in Newark, New Jersey, two anti‑ICE activists attempted to block a Jeep that was leaving the Delaney Hall detention facility. The vehicle’s driver did not yield, and the activists were thrown to the ground. Video of the incident was captured and posted by independent journalist Nick Sortor, who later commented on the crowd’s reaction.
Delaney Hall is a private immigration detention center operated by the GEO Group under contract for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The facility reopened in 2025 after a period of closure and has an authorized capacity of up to 1,196 detainees. It is located near Newark Liberty International Airport and serves the broader New York metropolitan area.
The incident occurred amid a series of protests that have been taking place outside Delaney Hall since late May. Detainees at the facility have been on a hunger and labor strike, citing poor living conditions and inadequate medical care. Protesters, many of whom identify as left‑wing activists, have gathered in the area for weeks to support the detainees and demand reforms to the ICE detention system.
During the protests, demonstrators have repeatedly tried to block vehicles entering and leaving the facility. Law enforcement officers, equipped with riot gear, have responded to these confrontations and have made dozens of arrests since the protests began.
In the video released by Sortor, the two activists are seen standing directly in front of the Jeep as it pulls away. When the driver does not back down, the activists are thrown to the ground, striking the asphalt hard. The footage shows other protesters rushing over and shouting for a medic, a reaction that Sortor described in a mocking tone. He posted the clip on social media and added commentary that suggested the crowd’s response was exaggerated.
No serious injuries were reported from the incident. After the crowd’s dramatic “MEDIC!!!” cries, the two individuals involved appeared to get up and walk away from the scene.
The video and the surrounding events illustrate the heightened tensions that have developed around Delaney Hall. The facility’s reopening in 2025 followed a period of scrutiny over the conditions of detainees, and the ongoing protests reflect broader national debates about immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals in ICE custody.
ICE, a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, has faced criticism for its handling of detention facilities and has been the focus of protests in several cities. The agency’s enforcement actions and public campaigns have generated controversy over legality, accountability, and civil rights.
The incident at Delaney Hall is one of many that have drawn attention to the challenges of managing large immigration detention centers. While the two activists were not seriously injured, the event underscores the volatility of protests that involve direct confrontation with law enforcement and ICE personnel.
The video released by Sortor has contributed to the broader coverage of the protests, providing a visual record of the confrontation and the crowd’s response. The footage is part of a larger body of documentation that highlights the ongoing struggle between activists, law enforcement, and the federal agency overseeing the detention facility.
As the protests continue, authorities and advocacy groups are monitoring the situation closely. The focus remains on ensuring public safety while addressing the concerns raised by detainees and their supporters.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the New Jersey protests and the broader national conversation about immigration detention and civil protest.
