NJ gov. blocking cops from helping feds at violent Delaney Hall protests, says union: 'We want to help'

Violent clashes involving anti-ICE protests have continued outside Delaney Hall detention center for about a week. Newark Police Superior Officers’ Association president John Chrystal said federal agents requested backup but the requests went unanswered. He claimed Newark police were blocked from assisting federal authorities and that officers were told to “stand down.” Chrystal blamed Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for allowing politics to endanger ICE agents. He cited “sanctuary policies” as emboldening officials to stonewall federal efforts. The union plans to raise the issue with city and state leaders, arguing that refusing assistance when officer safety is at risk is unsound policy.

""We are concerned about reports that federal officers requested backup and they weren't properly answered," he fumed, adding the union plans to raise the issue with the city and state. "They are not cooperating with the federal government in this matter, and it puts all officers' safety at risk. If they are calling for backup, they deserve it, they need it. We have a duty and responsibility to assist any law enforcement officers when they are requesting it. We need to set politics aside and look at safety.""

Read at New York Post