Todd Blanche, Acting U.S. Attorney General, announced on Friday the arrest of a man who issued death threats against a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer and his family during a protest in New Jersey. The protester, captured on video, was apprehended just hours after Blanche had vowed that law enforcement would locate and arrest him.
Appearing on Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show” on Thursday, Blanche explained that the threats constituted a federal crime. He pointed out the severity of the situation, emphasizing how the individual extended threats not only to the officer but also to his wife and children.
“I will kill your whole family. Your whole family is dead. Your children and wife all dead. I have your face! All dead!”
The incident took place amid a broader conflict between federal immigration officers and protesters outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey. Blanche commented that the officer targeted was merely performing his duties.
On Friday evening, Blanche took to social media, sharing, “Told you. @FBI just arrested the man who threatened to kill ICE officers and their families.” The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed.
The protests at the detention center, now ongoing for six consecutive nights, involved altercations where officers deployed pepper spray in response to aggressive actions. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nine individuals were arrested on Thursday.
Approximately 100 protesters congregated near the detention center, chanting anti-ICE slogans and equipping themselves with umbrellas, gas masks, and other protective gear. This demonstration was met with resistance from federal agents, but local and state police reportedly did not assist due to restrictions attributed to Governor Sherrill’s policies.
DHS reported an incident on Wednesday evening where local law enforcement failed to aid federal officers facing assaults and projectiles from the crowd. Six additional protesters were arrested on Wednesday for alleged assaults.
Protests began following a May 22 open letter from detainees alleging inadequate medical care, insufficient food, and lack of due process. DHS has refuted these allegations. The situation continues to draw significant public attention and criticism.