Full Breakdown
FBI Arrests Protester After Threatening ICE Officer and Family Outside Newark Detention Center
6/2/2026, 4:45:14 AM
Threat at Delaney Hall Leads to FBI Arrest
On May 29, 2026 the FBI detained a demonstrator who, on video, threatened to kill an ICE officer and the officer’s wife and children during a protest outside Delaney Hall, Newark, New Jersey. The arrest fulfilled a promise by Acting AG Todd Blanche to locate the individual within 24 hours.
Background & Timeline
Protests started May 22 after detainees at Delaney Hall issued an open letter alleging denied medical care, poor food and lack of due process. The facility houses 300 detainees. About 100 demonstrators gathered, leading to nightly clashes. Timeline: May 27 – threat video; May 28 – 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew and state trooper deployment; May 29 – FBI arrest; May 30 – officials confirm; May 31 – curfew violations cited.
Official Statements & Responses
Acting AG Todd Blanche called the threat a federal crime and said the suspect will be prosecuted. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin supported protest but condemned assaults, citing an alleged “8,000 % increase” in death threats. Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged officials to “lower the temperature” and called the protests unsafe. NJ AG Jennifer Davenport reiterated support for constitutional right to protest and demanded peace.
Criticism & Opposition
Advocacy groups and detainees allege ICE mistreatment and demand Delaney Hall’s closure. Gov. Sherrill blamed “out-of-state agitators” for the violence; protest supporters criticized the denial of local police assistance.
On-the-Ground Reports
Video shows about 100 demonstrators in black umbrellas and gas masks, wielding wooden pallets, mattresses and traffic cones. Federal agents used pepper spray and batons. Law-enforcement records note nine Thursday arrests, six Wednesday arrests, and over a dozen curfew violations. A half-mile perimeter fence and curfew were later enforced, with state troopers deploying horses and tear-gas canisters.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on suspect identity: some name Nicholas Sceldi, others say the person remains unidentified. Arrest numbers vary, with reports of nine, six and “more than a dozen” detainees. No official data confirm the “8,000 % increase” in death threats.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That’s a federal crime, and not only threatening the ICE officer but think about how disgusting this individual is, threatening his family and his children with death.” — Todd Blanche, Acting AG
- “We need to take this opportunity to lower the temperature.” — Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
- “We support every Americans constitutional right to peacefully protest. No one has the right to RIOT and ASSAULT law enforcement,” — Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of Homeland Security
- “I’ll kill your whole f—— family! Your whole f—— family is dead! Your children, your wife, all dead! I have your face, motherf—–! You’re dead! Dead!” — Nicholas Sceldi, protester (video)
What's Next
Authorities will maintain the curfew and perimeter while investigating further threats. Gov. Sherrill continues to call for Delaney Hall’s closure, and DHS Secretary Mullin warned any escalation could trigger adjustments to federal immigration enforcement resources in the region.
