Confrontation at Newark Immigration Detention Center
The recent visit by New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to the Newark immigration detention center led to clashes between federal agents and anti-ICE demonstrators outside. Many are calling her visit a “political stunt.”
Over the weekend, the situation around Delaney Hall escalated, fueled by a hunger strike by inmates and a strike by workers that has now lasted four days.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security commented that “Governor Sherrill’s visit to Delaney Hall is nothing more than a political stunt on Memorial Day, which is already on hold due to violence at the facility.”
Around 125 protesters gathered near Delaney Hall, many brandishing anti-ICE signs and Antifa flags. They formed a human chain at the entrance, effectively barring access.
On Monday, Sherrill was unable to enter the detention center, following a tour of the facility over the weekend by several fellow Democrats from New Jersey, including Senator Andy Kim and Representative Rob Menendez.
On social media, a video shows Sherrill outside a locked gate, surrounded by razor wire, while a crowd of protesters chants, “Let Sherrill in!”
Visuals from the scene captured protesters sitting defiantly across a main road leading into the center, while others confronted staff shouting, “No more ICE!”
At this point, it remains unclear whether any arrests occurred during the protests.
This situation is still unfolding. More updates will follow.
