NEWARK, N.J. — Protests intensified outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center, on Thursday evening as demonstrators clashed with federal agents. The protest, which grew to over 100 participants by 8 p.m. local time, involved frequent confrontations as unmarked federal vehicles attempted to enter the facility.
During the protests, one individual was detained after refusing to move, although an ICE agent could not confirm whether this would lead to criminal charges. The detention center reportedly houses around 900 detainees. New Jersey Democrats, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, have criticized the conditions at Delaney Hall, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused lawmakers and activists of exacerbating tensions and undermining ICE operations.
Protesters blocked roads surrounding the facility, and at one point, an unmarked federal vehicle drove through the crowd, leading to accusations from demonstrators that ICE agents were endangering them. The protests followed days of demonstrations and political backlash, with reports of detainees beginning a hunger strike. Governor Sherrill was denied entry to the facility earlier in the week and has called for its closure.
The DHS reported that approximately six demonstrators were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also announced new guidance for schools and organizations on how to respond to federal immigration authorities. The DHS stated that they would not allow disruptions to ICE operations and emphasized that there is currently no hunger strike at Delaney Hall.
