On Saturday, tensions escalated at an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Pro-ICE protesters confronted demonstrators supporting detainees who allege inhumane conditions inside the facility. Outside the Delaney Hall facility, a substantial police presence was noted, with officers equipped with riot shields blocking entrance ways. Also present were federal agents, some carrying long guns, alongside an armored vehicle.
To maintain order, barriers were erected to separate pro- and anti-ICE protestors. New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill had established a protected protest zone around the facility, citing safety concerns. She noted that this measure was necessary to avoid potential escalation from ICE. The arrangement was influenced by previous protests in Minneapolis, where federal agents killed two American citizens. On social media, Sherrill emphasized the right to protest and affirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights.
Tensions outside Delaney Hall have been rising due to allegations of poor conditions and violence against detainees, which the Department of Homeland Security denies. Nine detainee supporters were arrested on Thursday following clashes with ICE officers. On Saturday, while the atmosphere was tense, it remained peaceful, with police separating the groups using fencing and reducing riot gear presence.
Supporters for the detainees demonstrated vocally, chanting slogans like “Shut down Delaney Hall, free them all!” Healthcare workers joined, carrying signs against deportations. Demonstrators criticized conditions within Delaney Hall and accused the government and private contractors of maintaining unsafe environments.
Pro-ICE demonstrators also gathered, chanting “USA, USA” and carrying signs such as “Make America Great Again.” One protestor highlighted support for ICE’s enforcement efforts, citing the challenges officers face daily.
Governor Sherrill expressed concerns over reports of objectionable conditions at Delaney Hall, noting the increasing volatility surrounding the facility. More police arrived on Saturday to maintain peace amid growing demonstrations.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed via social media that ICE agents had faced threats and assaults from protestors. DHS appreciated New Jersey law enforcement for their support. However, both DHS and The GEO Group, which operates Delaney Hall, did not comment on the situation.
GEO Group stated that any actions inside Delaney Hall adhered to federal standards and comprehensive staff training. It detailed the use of ‘control measures’ during a detainee altercation, resulting in limited chemical agent use. GEO further defended its operation against allegations, labeling them politically motivated and asserting compliance with monitored standards.
The protests continued into Friday night, during which more barriers were installed, and police assumed control from ICE officers. Some demonstrators opposed the use of barriers implemented to separate protest areas.
At approximately 10 p.m., state police, equipped with riot shields, moved in on protesters after issuing warnings. This led to police deploying pepper spray and confronting the media present near the incident.
The ACLU of New Jersey noted that the demonstrations at Delaney Hall were overwhelmingly peaceful. The organization criticized New Jersey State Police’s approach, urging the state to avoid overly militarized tactics like those used by the federal government. John Butler from the ACLU emphasized that the real issue lies with ICE’s methods, which impact communities with detention raids and forceful responses.