Clergy members descend on Newark ICE facility, say they won't move until they are arrested
Clergy members from Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action protested outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, refusing to move until they are arrested, to draw attention to the plight of detainees. The group of about 50 clergy linked arms, sang songs, and prayed for the individuals inside the facility, condemning their detention as unjust. This protest follows recent actions by Democratic lawmakers who stormed the facility, highlighting tensions around immigration enforcement and accusations of the Trump administration weaponizing law enforcement. Homeland Security officials have defended the facility's operations, stating it houses dangerous criminals, while polling shows significant public support for deporting some illegal immigrants. Amidst the protest, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested, reflecting the heightened political and social tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement.
Context:
Clergy members from Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action protested outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, refusing to move until they are arrested, to draw attention to the plight of detainees. The group of about 50 clergy linked arms, sang songs, and prayed for the individuals inside the facility, condemning their detention as unjust. This protest follows recent actions by Democratic lawmakers who stormed the facility, highlighting tensions around immigration enforcement and accusations of the Trump administration weaponizing law enforcement. Homeland Security officials have defended the facility's operations, stating it houses dangerous criminals, while polling shows significant public support for deporting some illegal immigrants. Amidst the protest, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested, reflecting the heightened political and social tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement.
Dive Deeper:
Approximately 50 clergy members from Faith in N.J. and Faith in Action protested at the Delaney Hall ICE facility, linking arms and singing to express solidarity with detainees, while vowing not to leave until they were arrested.
The clergy members criticized the detention of individuals at the facility, offering prayers and condemning what they see as unjust practices, emphasizing a moral stance against the treatment of detainees.
The demonstration occurred shortly after Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Rob Menendez, stormed the facility, accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing law enforcement.
In response to these actions, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the facility houses individuals accused of serious crimes, including murder and terrorism, and defended its operations amidst political scrutiny.
Public opinion, according to a Pew Research Center poll, shows that a majority of Americans support deporting some illegal immigrants, particularly those with violent criminal records, highlighting the divisive nature of immigration policy.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested during the protest, charged with trespassing, as tensions escalated between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.
The incident reflects ongoing national debates over immigration policies, with accusations of intimidation and misinformation leveled against the current administration by its critics.