The anti-ICE protester who threatened to kill an agent and his family during a heated clash outside Newark’s Delaney Hall has been arrested and charged, officials said Monday.
Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, of Brooklyn, was taken into custody after allegedly hurling threats against an ICE officer, his wife and his children during a protest at the detention facility last week.
“Federal law enforcement officers face danger with great courage, and they should be able to do their jobs without being threatened and fearing for their families’ lives,” said Acting Attorney
Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, was taken into custody after hurling threats against an ICE officer, his wife and his children during a protest at the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark. X/@nicksortorGeneral Todd Blanche, who had vowed to see the man arrested.
“We take such threats very seriously and will prosecute those who make them to the fullest extent of the law.”
The “disgusting” encounter unfolded on May 27, when video captured Scelfo threatening one of the ICE officers stationed at Delaney Hall, where protests have been taking place every day.
“I’ll kill your whole f–king family. Your whole f–king family is dead. Your children, your wife, all dead,” the protester, who had protective goggles over his eyes, shouts at the federal agents.
“I have your face, motherf–ker. You’re dead. Dead,” he added.
Protesters and law enforcement clash during an anti-ICE demonstration. Stephen Yang for NY PostScelfo was identified through facial recognition technology, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
The agitator allegedly admitted to making the vile threats following his arrest on May 29, according to the Justice Department.
Patel said Scelfo’s arrest should serve as a warning to others protesting in New Jersey.
“Let this be a message to any criminal actor who may try something similar: you touch a cop, and this FBI will put you down,” he said.
Scelfo was charged with influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal officer by threat, according to the Department of Justice.
He was scheduled to appear on Monday before a US Magistrate Judge in Newark federal court.
ICE agents in tactical gear pepper spray protesters outside Delaney Hall. Stephen Yang for NY PostIf convicted, Scelfo faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine, officials said.
Tensions have remained heated at Delaney Hall following violent clashes outside the detention center over the weekend between protesters and police, who deployed tear gas on the demonstrators.
Dozens of protesters have been arrested since the anti-ICE demonstrations began on May 22.
