Protests Continue at Newark Detention Center Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike
Protests persisted at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, as a hunger strike by detained immigrants entered its ninth day, highlighting demands for better conditions and medical care.
Protests continued on Saturday outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, coinciding with a hunger strike by detained immigrants that has now lasted nine days. The strikers are advocating for improved conditions, medical care, and the resolution of their immigration cases.
Counterprotests by supporters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were also present, with some participants wearing MAGA hats and rallying in support of the agency. This led to a tense standoff between the two groups, separated by barriers set up by state police.
On Friday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that state authorities would take over policing duties from ICE outside the facility. As part of this transition, state police attempted to establish a “protected speech zone” to manage the protests, which escalated into confrontations that night, resulting in the use of tear gas and pepper ball pellets against anti-ICE demonstrators.
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin expressed gratitude to the governor for her cooperation in restoring order, emphasizing the right to peaceful protest while condemning violent actions against law enforcement. The striking immigrants have reported retaliation from ICE and facility staff, including an incident where guards pepper-sprayed detainees attempting to assist a fellow striker. The facility, operated by Geo Group, confirmed that the use of pepper spray was in response to a physical altercation.
Supporters of the detained immigrants, which included members from local advocacy groups, outnumbered the rightwing counterprotesters, some of whom were affiliated with the Proud Boys. A heavy law enforcement presence, including local police and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, was noted around the detention center. One of the central requests from the strikers has been a meeting with the state governor, who was reportedly denied entry to the facility earlier this week.
