Protests and arrests at New Jersey immigration detention center amid Trump administration defense
New Jersey authorities filed a lawsuit against the operator of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark to gain access for health inspections amid allegations of inhumane conditions. Approximately 300 detainees at the facility initiated a hunger and labor strike, citing poor treatment, while protests outside the center intensified and led to confrontations with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, according to Gothamist. Governor Mikie Sherrill attempted to visit Delaney Hall but was denied entry amid the ongoing hunger strike, as reported by WHYY. Demonstrators outside the facility continued their protests, attempting to block detainee transfers and clashing with ICE agents, raising concerns about the detainees' conditions.
The hunger strike entered its ninth day, with protesters demanding better medical care and living conditions, according to The Guardian. Following violent clashes between protesters and police, Newark's mayor imposed a curfew around Delaney Hall to maintain order. Family visitation rights at the detention center were partially restored amid the unrest. The lawsuit by New Jersey authorities aims to secure access to the facility for health inspections to address the allegations of inhumane treatment, as reported by CNN.