Federal authorities have arrested a New York resident in connection with alleged threats made against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel during demonstrations outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. The arrest comes after several days of protests and heightened tensions surrounding the facility.
According to federal officials, the suspect, identified as Nicholas Scelfo of Brooklyn, was taken into custody following an investigation into statements allegedly directed at an ICE agent and the agent’s family. Authorities said the remarks were captured in a video that circulated widely on social media and prompted a rapid law enforcement response.
The incident reportedly occurred on May 28 amid ongoing demonstrations near the detention center. Federal officials stated that the comments made in the video were taken seriously due to their nature and potential implications for the safety of law enforcement personnel. The case quickly became the focus of an investigation involving multiple agencies.
Speaking about the matter, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal authorities were committed to identifying and locating the individual responsible for the alleged threats. Officials later confirmed that investigators, including the FBI, used video evidence and other investigative tools to identify the suspect and make an arrest within a short period of time.
The arrest comes as demonstrations continue to draw attention around the Delaney Hall facility. Law enforcement agencies have reported several confrontations during recent protests, including incidents involving blocked access routes and alleged assaults on officers. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information regarding potential charges is expected to be released through the legal process.v