NEWARK — Authorities arrested dozens of protesters for curfew violations outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark over the weekend, following clashes that prompted Mayor Ras Baraka to impose an overnight curfew in the surrounding area.
Newark officials implemented the mandatory curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in a half-mile radius around the facility starting late May 30, 2026, after days of protests related to conditions at the center. On the first night of enforcement, police made multiple arrests after issuing dispersal warnings, according to state and local officials.
New Jersey Attorney General Jessica Davenport said in a statement that many protesters complied with orders to leave, but a group equipped with helmets, shields or gas masks ignored repeated warnings and were arrested. Those detained faced charges including failure to disperse, curfew violation and resisting arrest. Exact numbers of arrests varied in initial reports, with one account citing 61 people taken into custody on the first night.
The protests at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, escalated in late May amid demonstrations over detainee conditions. Officials reported prior incidents involving barricades, thrown objects and confrontations with law enforcement. The curfew aimed to restore public safety in the area.
Mayor Baraka stated the measure was necessary due to the escalating situation. In a later update, he announced plans to lift the curfew after a night with no arrests, citing confidence in peaceful assembly. Details on the precise timing of the lift and ongoing restrictions were confirmed in early June announcements.
Protesters have expressed concerns about restrictions on their ability to demonstrate, while authorities emphasized the need to prevent violence. Some demonstrators alleged overly aggressive police tactics. No comprehensive independent assessment of injuries or broader impacts was detailed in official statements.
As of June 9, 2026, the curfew had been lifted and protests continued in the area with varying levels of activity. Further legal proceedings for those arrested and any ongoing investigations into the events remain subject to court processes.
