MS NOW’s Coley: NJ State Police Don’t Have Best History on Race
An MSNBC commentator supported New Jersey's deployment of state police to an immigration facility despite protester violence but criticized the agency's history with minority communities.
According to Breitbart News, Anthony Coley, appearing as a guest co-host on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” on Saturday, offered qualified support for New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to secure the perimeter around the Delaney Hall immigration facility.
Coley acknowledged that on-the-ground reporting indicated a small group of demonstrators had engaged in aggressive behavior, including launching fireworks and hurling canisters at law enforcement personnel. Despite this, he expressed reservations about the New Jersey State Police presence.
The MSNBC guest criticized the state police force for what he characterized as a problematic track record dating back to the 1980s and 1990s regarding their interactions with black and brown communities, as Breitbart News reports.
While stating that Governor Sherrill had made the correct decision to bring in law enforcement, Coley emphasized his statement came with significant caveats about the specific agency deployed to maintain order at the location.
Coley called on demonstrators to exercise their constitutional rights to free expression and assembly in a peaceful manner while continuing to highlight what he termed a humanitarian crisis occurring inside the facility.
The remarks reflect ongoing tensions between progressive media figures supporting immigration advocacy while attempting to navigate concerns about law enforcement presence and protester behavior at detention facilities.
With information from Breitbart News
