Protests and arrests at New Jersey immigration detention center amid Trump administration defense

Demonstrators have been clashing with law‑enforcement officers outside Delaney Hall, a 1,000‑bed immigration detention center in Newark, since late May. The protests, which have drawn more than 80 arrests, focus on alleged neglect, including moldy food, expired meals and overcrowded cells lacking air conditioning. Detainees launched a hunger strike last month, according to immigrant‑rights group Cosecha, and have sent handwritten letters demanding better medical care.

The facility is operated by the private prison contractor GEO Group. Democratic members of Congress who visited early in the protests said the detainees’ accounts appeared credible. The Trump administration, however, has denied any abuse. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the center is providing “the calories they want,” and border‑policy adviser Tom Homan praised the food after a recent visit.

Protesters, some wearing gas masks and helmets, have used traffic cones and trash cans as shields and attempted to block vehicles from entering the site. ICE officers responded with tear gas, batons and mounted police. On Friday night, ICE arrested four individuals on charges including assaulting officers and obstruction, according to Secretary Mullin. Newark police also reported a separate arrest for criminal mischief involving smashed car windows.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, after initially hesitating, declared the situation “unsafe” and “unacceptable,” deploying state police to establish protest zones and vehicle checkpoints. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed a 9 p.m. curfew and sent city police to enforce it, later scaling back the police presence as arrests declined.

One law‑enforcement officer was charged with stealing $10,000 worth of camera equipment from Associated Press journalist Angelina Katsanis, who was injured during a clash. The journalist used a geo‑tracking device to locate the missing gear, state officials said.