Protests Continue Outside Delaney Hall as Trump Comments on Demonstrators

President Donald Trump stated during a Cabinet meeting on May 27, 2026, that protesters outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark, are 'fake' and 'paid for.' His remarks followed ongoing protests alleging overcrowding and poor conditions inside the facility, including reports of a hunger strike by some detainees. Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Daniel Goldman and Jerrold Nadler, were escorted into the facility amid scrutiny over the conditions. Protests, which began on May 24, have escalated, with demonstrators clashing with ICE agents and attempting to block vehicle access to the facility. Officers deployed tear gas and removed protesters during confrontations. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the facility's conditions, stating, 'This isn’t Holiday Inn,' and dismissed the criticisms from detainees and lawmakers. ICE officials have denied allegations of unsafe or inhumane conditions.