Violence at Delaney Hall Comes from Agents Only

Newark, NJ — We express our utmost disgust with the violence perpetrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents today, May 28. Reports at approximately 1:40 p.m. reveal that ICE agents attacked the hunger strikers inside with batons and tear gas. Family members outside received calls from inside, confirming that there were people screaming, and according to their loved ones inside, unconscious detainees and blood on surfaces.

ICE is the sole responsible actor for the escalation that has led to several wounded people inside and outside this week. We advise the press to avoid using language that joins the narrative espoused by the Department of Homeland Security: that agents are acting in self-defense. The one-sidedness of this violence is the objective viewpoint.

Reports from observers and organizers on the ground this week outline other acts of violent repression by ICE agents:

• Pushing protesters onto the road: Every time ICE agents clear the entrance to the detention center, agents force and shove non-violent protesters from the sidewalk to the road. Doremus Avenue is a highly active road, with several heavy load trucks passing. On one occasion, on the night of Wednesday  24, a participant’s leg was caught under a truck’s wheel. As tensions escalate, we are concerned that worse outcomes may occur.
• Indiscriminate use of tear gases: Without provocation, ICE agents have used different forms of tear gas on protesters, a notable example being the episode where Sen. Andy Kim and the crowd were sprayed. Several other examples follow whenever ICE agents push protesters onto the road.
• Assault with batons on press, non-violent participants: On Monday 22, an agent attempted to strike a reporter from independent outlet Radio Cosecha in the head, instead hitting his hand as he blocked the hit. Footage from the night of Wednesday 27 shows an agent striking at the knees of a protester who was locking arms with other participants.
• Arrests performed on peaceful volunteers: On the morning of Tuesday 23, an observer was detained by agents. At night, amidst attacks by agents, a volunteer medic was tackled and detained. Medics outside the facility wear red crosses to announce their role, and do not participate in non-violent disruption, only standing by the crowd to treat participants.

This violence is also reflective of the conditions inside the facility, affecting detainees and their families. Resistencia en Acción is working closely with the family of detained day laborer Jorge Raymundo to assist them legally and with resources to help them stay afloat. Their GoFundMe page can be found here: https://gofund.me/8505d00d6

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