Detention Center Riot Sparks Manhunt After Wall Breached and Detainees Escape
A violent riot broke out late Thursday night at Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, leaving four suspected illegal aliens unaccounted for and triggering a full-scale law enforcement manhunt.
The uprising, reportedly involving 50 detainees, began over complaints about food and conditions. In a dramatic act of force, detainees pushed down an outer wall and used tied bedsheets in what sources are calling an orchestrated escape attempt.
Chaos Fueled by Outside Agitators
As word of the breakout spread, anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the facility, further escalating tensions. Their presence reportedly obstructed emergency response teams, worsening an already volatile situation.
Instead of condemning the breach, some politicians used the incident to validate the rioters’ grievances.
Mayor Baraka’s Response: Sympathy Over Security
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — who was previously arrested for attempting an unauthorized tour of the facility — issued a statement that focused more on detainee rights than on the violence, destruction of property, or escape.
“We are concerned about reports… ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees,” Baraka said.
“This entire situation lacks sufficient oversight… We must put an end to this chaos and not allow this operation to continue unchecked.”
Baraka made no direct condemnation of the detainees who destroyed federal property and fled custody.
Politicians Flood the Scene, Demand Answers — But From ICE, Not Rioters
Democratic Senator Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez appeared at the facility Friday, not to support law enforcement or help restore order, but to demand investigations into ICE and the GEO Group, which operates the center.
Neither condemned the escape.
Federal Response: Manhunt Underway
According to the New York Post, ICE and DHS officials have launched an active manhunt for the four escapees. Their identities have not yet been released to the public, but sources confirm they are suspected illegal aliens who were held on immigration violations and possibly criminal offenses.
Authorities are working to determine whether the riot was premeditated and if outside activists coordinated with detainees in the lead-up to the escape.
A Pattern of Escalation?
This latest riot comes amid rising tension nationally as far-left organizations plan coordinated anti-ICE and anti-Trump “No Kings” protests across the country. The weaponization of protest to obstruct immigration enforcement is becoming a dangerous trend — and the events at Delaney Hall are its most violent expression yet.
