Truck Driver Speaks Out Against Anti-ICE Protesters Blocking His Work

Protests Erupt Outside Immigration Detention Center in New Jersey

On Wednesday night, a group of anti-immigrant demonstrators obstructed a truck driver outside the New Jersey State Detention Center. The protest took place near Newark’s Delaney Hall, which houses around 1,000 detainees, as truck drivers from a regional industry in Elizabeth attempted to get through. The New York Post reported that the truck driver expressed frustration, saying, “If I hit one of you, I’m going to jail.” Eventually, despite the protests, the drivers managed to continue with their work.

In recent days, tensions have heightened outside Delaney Hall, where protests have emerged over the conditions within the facility. Democratic representatives from New York, Adriano Espaira and Jerry Nadler, along with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, visited the center to discuss reports of a hunger strike among the detainees. However, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that there is no hunger strike occurring at the facility, according to the New York Post.

Mullin asserted that all detainees receive three meals daily, as well as clean water, clothing, bedding, and basic hygiene products. He emphasized that undocumented immigrants can contact their families and attorneys and noted that the care provided is often better than that available in some U.S. prisons.

Countering claims made by congressional Democrats, the DHS emphasized that detainees at Delaney Hall are granted comprehensive medical care. A press release suggested that for many individuals, this may be the best medical treatment they’ve ever received.

In addition, the detention center reportedly allows multiple visitation days each week. Many protesters donned masks and goggles to shield themselves from pepper spray employed by ICE officers during clashes, and some were arrested amid the turmoil. Tensions escalated, with protesters shouting aggressive slogans directed at law enforcement.

It’s noteworthy that some immigrants detained at Delaney Hall are facing serious charges, including murder and drug trafficking, as specified in a DHS statement.