White House warns demonstrators rioting will not be tolerated amid New Jersey protests

The White House issued a stark warning Monday to rioters protesting a federal immigration detention center in Newark, stating that riots will not be tolerated and those who engage in such activity will be "arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The protests escalated into riots over the weekend after some demonstrators threw projectiles, grabbed security barriers and set fires outside ICE’s Delaney Hall facility. New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill even acknowledged early Sunday that some had engaged in “dangerous actions” against local police.

The White House released clips of the riots on social media with a caption that warned protesters that Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will not be deterred by their actions. 

"Newark or anywhere in America, the message doesn’t change: [ICE] operations will NOT be deterred," the post reads. "Riot, obstruct, or assault an officer and you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed an emergency curfew over the weekend in an attempt to quell the unrest. The curfew, which remains in effect, covers a half-mile radius around the ICE facility, outlawing civilians in the area from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.