Esteban Marenco, 21, is a Penn State University senior photojournalism student who spent 24 hours documenting clashes outside Delaney Hall in Newark, where detained immigrants have reported poor conditions. Demonstrators, at times blocking workers’ access to Delaney or spilling into the street, have been struck by ICE agents and repelled with noxious gas. Several have been arrested.
Late on Wednesday, and again on Thursday, Marenco and some other journalists were among those affected by the sprayed irritant. Marenco, who interned for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and shot assignments for The Centre Daily Times in Centre County, Pennsylvania, was on the scene for NJ News Wire, a network of local news outlets that is supported by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University.
“I’ve covered hard news before, but this is the first time I’ve ever had tear gas and pepper spray directed toward me,” Marenco said. “It was definitely scary, but I was able to adjust to the intensity of the situation to ensure my safety and still capture the moment.”
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWire
Credit: Esteban Marenco / NJ NewsWireWe’re in this together.
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