On May 25, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) announced that she was denied access to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark, where detainees have been on a hunger strike for four days. Sherrill, along with other New Jersey lawmakers, attempted to enter Delaney Hall but was turned away by federal authorities. Sherrill expressed concern about the lack of transparency, stating, "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." She has been an advocate against private detention facilities and called for the closure of Delaney Hall.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently faced legal challenges regarding plans to convert a former warehouse in Roxbury into an immigration detention center. A court ruling halted these efforts, requiring an environmental review before proceeding. Advocates have raised concerns about conditions at Delaney Hall, which reportedly has up to 1,000 beds, citing issues such as medical neglect and inadequate food.
As the hunger strike continued, protests outside the facility escalated, leading to confrontations with federal officers. Sherrill described the situation as "heartbreaking" for the detainees, emphasizing their humanity and the need for basic dignity. Other lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), joined Sherrill in advocating for the closure of Delaney Hall. Recent court rulings affirm that Congress members should have access to ICE facilities for oversight, although past administrations have obstructed such visits. Several lawmakers have been involved in previous confrontations at the facility, with varying legal outcomes.