Protests Escalate at Delaney Hall ICE Facility

Protests intensified on Monday outside Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The escalation occurred after Governor Mikie Sherrill’s attempt to access the facility was blocked.

ICE agents in riot gear intervened late Monday afternoon to disperse protesters blocking Delaney Hall’s entrance. The protesters demanded transparency regarding detainee conditions. Some threw objects at agents, prompting the use of pepper spray by law enforcement.

The protest grew more heated as individuals formed a human chain at the exit. Despite agents’ efforts, including using a military-style vehicle, the crowd persisted, some hurling more objects.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim attempted to calm the situation, urging protesters to refrain from engaging with the agents. He remarked on efforts to conceal activities within the facility, having been granted entry alongside a congressional delegation.

Protests began Friday with claims of inadequate detainee care. A new wave of protesters joined on Monday. Late in the evening, they placed concrete slabs and orange barricades at another entrance, even climbing into dumpsters to gather materials.

Governor Sherrill’s Involvement

Governor Sherrill initially joined the protest under calmer conditions but faced denial into the facility. She expressed strong concerns about transparency.

“My request for access to Delaney Hall was formally denied this morning, raising serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view,”

Sherrill opposed private detention sites and advocated for closing Delaney Hall, resisting plans for a site in Roxbury. She spoke with detainee relatives like Gabriela Soto, whose husband faced relocation.

Soto claimed her husband was misled about his release. “They told him he was getting released and I witnessed him getting kidnapped,” she said. According to DHS, he was due for transfer due to an assault charge when disrupted by protesters.

DHS Response

DHS criticized Sherrill’s visit, calling it a “political stunt” amidst ongoing protests. They stated visitation remains suspended due to safety concerns. It outlined detainees’ access to basic needs, medical care, and communication facilities.

Congressman Robert Menendez Jr. disputed DHS claims about detainee conditions. ICE reportedly provides meals, clean water, and medical services, contradicting allegations of inhumane treatment.

Timeline of Events

• Friday: 300 detainees commenced a hunger strike, alleging poor conditions. Protests formed in solidarity.
• Saturday: Protests continued. Lawmakers Kim and Menendez Jr. visited the facility.
• Sunday: Gabby Soto’s husband was moved under contentious circumstances. Protesters blocked vehicular transport, believing it retaliatory.
• Monday: Tensions peaked with confrontations occurring overnight. More officials arrived to address the situation.

Visitation remains on hold to ensure safety for all involved at Delaney Hall.