NEWARK, N.J. — Protests intensified Thursday outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center, as demonstrators clashed with federal agents amid ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement and conditions within the facility. By 8 p.m. local time, the protest had grown to over 100 participants, leading to frequent confrontations as unmarked federal vehicles attempted to enter the center.
During the protests, one individual was detained after refusing to move, though an ICE agent could not confirm if this would lead to criminal charges. Activists have raised concerns about the conditions at Delaney Hall, which reportedly houses around 900 detainees. New Jersey Democrats, including Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, have criticized these conditions, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused lawmakers and activists of inciting unrest 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 of aggressive behavior by ICE agents. Reports indicated that one man was detained during the protests, but the ICE agent declined to provide details on potential charges.
Earlier in the week, Sherrill and other lawmakers were denied entry to the facility while attempting to address reports of a hunger strike among detainees. The protests have been marked by various confrontations, including instances where demonstrators formed human chains to obstruct ICE vehicles. The DHS reported that approximately six demonstrators were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers.
In response to the situation, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced new guidance for schools and other organizations on how to interact with federal immigration authorities, emphasizing the need to protect access to services and understand legal rights. The DHS stated that they would maintain order and denied any current hunger strike at Delaney Hall.
