Immigration Detainees Protest Conditions at Delaney Hall

Since mid-May, hundreds of immigration detainees at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, have initiated a hunger strike. This action has led to protests outside the privately managed facility, highlighting issues related to detention conditions and immigration enforcement.

According to advocates and relatives, the protest began with approximately 300 detainees refusing food and work assignments. They cited issues like poor food quality, delayed medical care, sanitation concerns, and prolonged detention without timely case resolution. In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed these claims, stating there is no coordinated hunger strike.

As of the latest reports, over 200 detainees continue their labor and hunger strike, as noted by the Detention Watch Network. The New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), an advocacy group for immigrant rights, stated that the strike officially started after a family rally on May 22, 2026. During this event, detainees communicated via phone and bullhorns, expressing grievances.

The group mentioned poor conditions, such as medical neglect, lack of air conditioning, and spoilt food. They demanded a full investigation into the center’s operations.

In a statement at the rally, detainees emphasized, “We are not striking to demand better treatment and conditions; we are doing this to demand freedom.”

The first large demonstration took place on May 24, with smaller gatherings reported a day earlier. Protests increased by May 25, with family members, activists, and immigrant-rights groups attempting to block vehicle movements in and out of Delaney Hall.

Reports and footage depict confrontations between protesters and ICE agents, including crowd-control tactics. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and several members of Congress tried to visit Delaney Hall on May 25.

Governor Sherrill expressed opposition to private detention facilities, advocating for the closure of Delaney Hall and opposing expansions like the proposed facility in Roxbury. She stated in a press release, “I came today to hear from families and advocates, and what I heard from them was heartbreaking.”

However, DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis dismissed the hunger strike claims, labeling the situation as a “political stunt.” Bis asserted there are no subpar conditions or abuses at the facility.

During the May 25 protests, Senator Andy Kim reported being pepper-sprayed while accompanying officials. DHS described the incident as a response to obstruction and claimed no individuals were directly hit by pepper ball projectiles. The spokesperson emphasized that protesters obstructed federal operations and disregarded lawful commands to clear the area.

DHS justified the use of “the minimum amount of force necessary” to protect officers and federal property. They stressed, “The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly—not rioting.” Furthermore, DHS warned that obstructing law enforcement or assaulting officers constitutes a federal crime.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin noted that the demonstration persisted on May 26. Two individuals were arrested for alleged assaults on federal officers.

On May 27, Congress members including Reps. Jerrold Nadler, Dan Goldman, and Adriano Espaillat inspected Delaney Hall. They reported detainees’ allegations of contaminated food and inadequate medical care, calling the conditions “inhumane.” DHS refuted these claims, maintaining that the facility meets required standards.

DHS officials continue to deny the existence of a coordinated hunger strike, affirming that detainees receive adequate food and medical care. They also insist that protesters have hindered federal operations and assaulted officers.

The 1,196-bed Delaney Hall, located in an industrial area outside Newark, opened on May 1, 2025. As per federal data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, it currently houses 908 detainees on average each day.