Protests Erupt Outside Newark Immigration Detention Center
Newark, New Jersey — A scene of turmoil unfolded Thursday evening outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center, as protests intensified. Demonstrators opposing ICE clashed with federal agents, amplifying tensions regarding immigration enforcement and the conditions within the facility.
By 8 PM local time, the crowd had grown to over 100 protesters, frequently confronting unmarked federal vehicles trying to enter the center. It was chaotic—some demonstrators stood firm while others were caught up in altercations, including one man who was pulled to the ground just feet away from reporters.
ICE officials remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying if the detention of an individual might lead to criminal charges. The atmosphere was charged as the protests continued around the private detention facility, which human rights activists claim houses around 900 detainees.
New Jersey’s Democratic leaders, such as Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, spoke out against the situation at Delaney Hall. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused lawmakers and activists of inciting fear and obstructing ICE operations.
As federal agents maneuvered in and out of the vicinity, protesters blocked access roads. In one instance, a federal vehicle attempted to proceed through the crowd, leading to accusations from one female protester that the vehicle tried to hit another participant. Amidst this turmoil, a male protester was detained, but when questioned, an ICE official stated they couldn’t confirm any potential charges.
Protests escalated further when another altercation broke out. An instigator was forcibly taken down, and tensions flared as children in nearby cars joined in shouting obscenities. The police presence was notably minimal, reflecting Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s stance against supporting immigration enforcement. An older protester, using a Costco box as a sign, admonished passing vehicles for not slowing down sufficiently.
Earlier in the week, Sherrill and several other officials tried to enter the detention center after reports surfaced that some detainees had initiated a hunger strike. Sherrill was denied access and subsequently called for the facility’s closure.
During the protests, some demonstrators formed a human chain, blocking entrances, while confrontations grew after Senator Kim was allegedly pepper-sprayed at a prior gathering. DHS indicated that approximately six protesters were arrested for allegedly assaulting law enforcement.
On the same day of the Newark protests, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey unveiled new state guidelines for how various organizations, including schools and healthcare providers, should engage with federal immigration authorities. The aim, as Healey pointed out during a press conference, is to safeguard access to services and enhance preparedness for encounters with ICE.
DHS reiterated their position by stating, “We will not allow violent mobs to disrupt ICE operations. Law and order will be restored. There are no hunger strikes at Delaney Hall at this time.”
