On May 25, 2026, protests took place outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where demonstrators clashed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Protesters formed a human chain and attempted to gain access to the facility, which has been criticized for allegedly holding illegal immigrants in poor conditions. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill attempted to enter the facility but was denied access, raising concerns about transparency. Sherrill expressed her opposition to private detention facilities and called for the closure of Delaney Hall.
During the protests, some demonstrators threw water at ICE agents, who detained several individuals. Protesters chanted slogans such as "No more ICE!" and "Free them all!" In addition, nearly 300 detainees at the facility have initiated a hunger and labor strike, claiming they are living in inhumane conditions and lacking adequate medical care. A letter from the detainees acknowledged their illegal entry into the U.S. but described their current situation as feeling "kidnapped" and suffering from poor treatment.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that detainees are provided with meals, clean water, and access to communication with family and legal representatives. The facility has been the subject of scrutiny from various elected officials, including Senator Andy Kim and Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, and Frank Pallone Jr., who have called for its closure.