Federal Agents Withdraw Amid Newark Protests

Clashes have erupted between protesters and federal agents at Delaney Hall’s parking lot in Newark since Memorial Day weekend. This standoff has persisted for nearly a week as demonstrators protest conditions inside the detention center.

Federal agents have now agreed to withdraw, allowing state officials to manage the situation. Sgt. First Class Charles Marchan of the New Jersey State Police stated that his agency arranged for federal agents to vacate the area, enabling state police to take charge.

This change aims to restore order outside the center, where on Friday federal officers had charged into the crowd. They pushed protesters to the ground and used a chemical irritant. One officer struck a fleeing demonstrator with a baton. Three protesters were arrested and taken inside the detention center.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared the removal of federal agents a victory for his department. He noted that Governor Mikie Sherrill had refused to let state police assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Mullin stated, “This is a win for law and order.”

His agency argued that their officers applied only the necessary force to protect themselves from protesters, whom they labeled as rioters obstructing law enforcement duties. Governor Sherrill announced a designated protest zone would be set up outside Delaney Hall.