The ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, experienced a breakout on Thursday night after migrants escaped following an apparent disturbance inside the facility. The incident, which involved a dormitory wall being pushed down by agitated detainees, has drawn national attention and political criticism on both sides of the aisle.
According to immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin, around 50 detainees at the facility became agitated when meals were delayed, leading to the incident. Cetin described the situation as escalating from a food shortage issue to a violent confrontation, with detainees tearing down a wall and potentially attempting to escape. He also mentioned that some detainees were reported hanging bedsheets, indicating an escape attempt, and that gas was smelled during the incident, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The breakout comes just two days after Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was indicted on three federal charges related to her previous visit to Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in Newark. McIver was with Mayor Ras Baraka during the visit, which ended in her being charged with trespassing, though the charge was later dropped. This incident, along with Baraka’s arrest for attempting to trespass into the facility, has fueled Gonzalez’s criticism of the Democratic Party’s actions and rhetoric.
Baraka, responding to the situation, emphasized concerns about the conditions at Delaney Hall, including withholding food and poor treatment of detainees. He accused the federal government of inadequate oversight and called for greater transparency and accountability. His office is demanding immediate answers and clear communication from both the GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that private prisons pose a significant constitutional risk to the state.
Gonzalez, however, took a more confrontational stance, blaming Baraka and Democratic leaders for the incident. He argued that the mayor’s actions and statements had inspired similar protests in other cities, including Los Angeles, and that this was part of a broader effort to create chaos and divert attention from the Democratic Party’s policies. Gonzalez criticized Baraka for his lack of accountability and for not taking responsibility for the situation, calling his rhetoric dangerous.
As protests and tensions continue, Gonzalez warned that Newark may still be a target for further unrest. He urged the governor to support law enforcement efforts to restore order and expressed hope that the situation would not escalate to the point where President Trump might need to mobilize the National Guard, as he did in Los Angeles. Despite the ongoing concerns, Gonzalez maintained that the majority of New Jerseyans are not in favor of the Democratic Party’s approach and are calling for a return to normalcy and law enforcement control.