An investigation found that anti-ICE activists used Signal chats to coordinate protests outside Delaney Hall in Newark, N.J. The network of approximately 100 well-funded groups, with collective annual revenues of $850 million, utilized strategic communication documents and tactics. Over 80 people were arrested.
An investigation by Fox News Digital reveals that protests outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, N.J., are orchestrated by a network of approximately 100 well-funded organizations, some with nonprofit status. An activation signal on June 3 called hundreds of anti-ICE activists to the facility, with coordination occurring through secret Signal chats under pseudonyms. These groups, including organizations like the ACLU and Democratic Socialists of America, collectively report annual revenues of about $850 million. Many operate as 501(c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), and (c)(6) nonprofits, benefiting from tax-deductible donations and tax-free status. A strategic communications document, the 'Delaney Hall Creator Brief,' guides activists on language, such as referring to the detention center as a 'concentration camp' and detainees as 'imprisoned prisoners.' Preparations for the protests involved organizing transportation, logistics, and supplies like goggles, respirators, and protective knee pads, with some experts comparing the operations to insurgency tactics. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and several House committees are reportedly investigating the alleged abuse of nonprofit laws to instigate conflict. The network's activities have been scrutinized by tech sleuths who have infiltrated their digital operations. Over 80 people have been arrested during turbulent protests outside the facility over the past two weeks.
The investigation highlights concerns about the potential misuse of nonprofit status and tax-exempt funds to organize and sustain disruptive protests, prompting government scrutiny into nonprofit law compliance and the tactics used in activism.