Protests took a dramatic turn on Monday outside Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. The events intensified after Governor Mikie Sherrill was not allowed access to the facility.
Intensifying Protests
Late Monday afternoon, ICE agents in riot gear arrived to disperse protesters blocking the entrance to Delaney Hall. The demonstrators were demanding clarity on the treatment of detainees. As tensions rose, some protesters threw objects at the agents, who responded with pepper spray. The situation further escalated when protesters formed a human chain at the exit, attempting to stop a military-style vehicle. Despite efforts to clear the entrance, the demonstrators steadfastly refused to move.
Efforts to Calm the Situation
U.S. Senator Andy Kim intervened, urging protesters to distance themselves from the agents. Earlier, amidst the chaos, Kim entered the facility with a congressional delegation and highlighted concerns over what he perceived as attempts to conceal the conditions inside. Multiple days of protests were driven by family members alleging detainees were kept in poor conditions without adequate medical care.
Governor Sherrill’s Stand
Governor Sherrill joined the protests earlier in the day when activities were less confrontational. Despite her efforts, she was denied entry into the facility. In a statement, she questioned the reasons for barring her access, expressing her opposition to private detention facilities and advocating for the closure of Delaney Hall. During her time at the site, she interacted with family members, including Gabriela Soto, who demanded her husband’s release.
“They lied to him. They told him he was getting released and I witnessed him getting kidnapped, shoved, and thrown in a van,” said Soto.
The Department of Homeland Security responded, stating that Soto’s husband was an illegal alien charged with assault, and his relocation was part of standard procedures. The DHS cited suspended visitations at Delaney Hall due to agitators surrounding the facility, dismissing Sherrill’s visit as a political move.
DHS Response and Political Reactions
A DHS spokesperson noted that Senator Kim was allowed entrance to perform congressional oversight, clarifying that detainees receive meals, clothing, bedding, and access to medical care. Meanwhile, Congressman Robert Menendez Jr. urged skepticism of ICE’s statements. He highlighted the ongoing concerns about detainees’ well-being, stating that detainees receive basic necessities, health services, and communication access.
Timeline of the Protest Events
- Friday: Approximately 300 detainees initiated a hunger strike, protesting inhumane conditions. Supporters joined them outside the facility.
- Saturday: Protests continued. Representatives Kim and Robert Menendez Jr. visited the site.
- Sunday: Gabriela Soto, a protest participant, was informed of her husband’s imminent release, leading to intense opposition when he was seemingly taken away. DHS reported the transfer of Soto Hernandez amid suspended visitations.
- Monday: Early morning confrontations occurred between protesters and ICE agents. Political figures continued to visit and engage with protesters at Delaney Hall throughout the day.