Former ICE Director Backs NJ Governor’s State Police Deployment Amid Detention Protests

New clashes between anti-ICE demonstrators and authorities erupted Saturday evening outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, prompting state officials to implement additional security measures, including a curfew and the deployment of state police.

John Torres, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, endorsed Governor Cheryl Sherrill’s decision, calling the mobilization of state police “key” to preventing further violence and lowering tensions outside the facility.

Torres noted that while the state police presence has helped address ongoing disturbances, it took several days for troopers to arrive on scene to support ICE in securing the facility. He drew parallels to similar demonstrations at detention facilities in Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where outside actors have been observed participating in protests.

“The reality is that you have people coming in from out of town that are in effect, paid agitators that are trying to stir up this issue,” Torres said, emphasizing that creating designated protest zones and bringing in additional support helps de-escalate tensions.

Governor Sherrill addressed concerns about external influences, stating that individuals traveling from out of state to “create chaos and dangerous situations” are not assisting detained individuals, their families, or New Jersey’s safety.

Allegations have circulated regarding ICE agents’ conduct, including claims they are trained to act contrary to constitutional principles. Torres firmly rejected these assertions, labeling them “100% false” and part of a broader “smear campaign” by advocacy groups seeking to end ICE detention and enforcement operations.

Drawing on his experience as a former Special Agent in Charge for Newark, Torres advocated for increased transparency as a path forward. He outlined existing protocols that allow scheduled visitations, tours for members of Congress, and access for activist groups to observe facility conditions firsthand.

“When there’s allegations of rotting food, they see that there’s actually three meals a day being served,” Torres explained, adding that facilities also provide recreational opportunities and operate under ICE National Detention Standards. Assigned officers and independent contractors regularly monitor compliance with these standards.

Torres acknowledged that security protocols require vetting visitors to prevent individuals from entering with false identities or attempting to disrupt operations or facilitate escapes. He stressed that transparency measures can be implemented while maintaining facility safety and adherence to long-standing procedures that ICE and its predecessor agencies have followed for over two decades.

Both state and federal officials have reportedly found common ground on managing protests outside the detention facility while ensuring security and access to lawful observation.