Anti-ICE protesters are pooling cash to deliver riot gear to the front lines of the ongoing chaos in Newark outside the Delaney Hall detention center — fueling criticism that the mayhem is a well-funded, coordinated effort.
Donations are pouring in to help the protesters buy “helmets” and “knee/wrist/shin/arm guards” along with military-grade goggles to stay outside Delaney Hall, according to one list blasted out on social media by lefty political activist group the 50501 Movement – which was behind the No Kings anti-President Trump rallies.
The protesters specifically listed MIL-PRF-32432 shatterproof goggles on their wish list — which is considered “U.S. military specification” that ensures protection from “battlefield-level projectile threats.”
The armor was listed as a high-priority need to be dropped at the chaotic protest site, while organizers from further away were supporting the purchases by sending cash to the personal Venmo of organizer Jenny Garcia.
The tools are allegedly necessary for their battle against the “ICE Gestapo,” according to 50501, which formed last year and was behind an eponymous nationwide protest. Its name stands for “50 protests. 50 states. 1 day.”
The untold amount of pooled money was also being spent on wheelchairs, P100 respirators — which are considered “oil-proof” — Sudecon, a decontamination wipe used to remove irritants such as pepper spray, and “welding gloves for incoming tear gas cannisters.”
Garcia’s page has an archive of apparent previous donations, most of which were paired with captions reading “F–k ICE.”
Garcia is a communication coordinator for the Detention Watch Network, which opposes detaining illegal migrants.
Delaney Hall has been the scene of raucous demonstrations in recent days related to the the alleged poor condition of detainees inside the facility, which the Department of Homeland Security vehemently denies is the case.
“The people inside Delaney Hall are speaking out to demonstrate the power they have despite their confinement,” Garcia said Friday, according to NJ.com.
Garcia’s involvement and the pooling of donations have only fueled criticism that the anti-ICE demonstration is clearly a paid effort.
Trump earlier this week called the protesters “fake” and alleged they were being funded by Democrats.
A rioter who allegedly sank his teeth into federal law enforcement officers during a violent protest the day before was charged Friday.
Brendan John Geier, 26, was charged Friday for allegedly “kicking and biting” ICE officers, leaving “horrific wounds,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced.
The protests continued on Saturday after a chaotic Friday night that saw anti-ICE call on the agents to “kill” themselves.
Police in riot gear deployed tear gas and pepper spray to restrain the unruly crowd.
