Newark Police Union Says Local Officers Blocked From Aiding ICE at Delaney Hall

Capt. John Chrystal, president of the Newark Police Superior Officers’ Association, said New Jersey’s largest police force has been blocked from providing backup to federal agents at the Delaney Hall detention center. Chrystal told The Post on Friday that orders to stand down came from the mayor’s and governor’s offices. He said the instructions were not in writing.

Protests outside the 1,000-bed facility began over Memorial Day weekend and continued for seven days. Nine people were arrested Thursday night on charges including biting, kicking, and punching agents. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated on X that more than 100 people had swarmed the site. He accused New Jersey sanctuary politicians of refusing to allow local police assistance.

Chrystal said federal requests for backup went unanswered and that sanctuary policies have prevented cooperation. He added that the union plans to raise the issue with city and state officials. Reps for Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka did not immediately respond to requests for comment. New Jersey’s state police union also did not respond.