Protests erupted outside a New Jersey detention facility on Monday, where critics claim illegal immigrants face harsh conditions. Demonstrators formed a human chain at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, protesting against the treatment of detainees.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill attempted to enter the facility but was denied. Sherrill expressed concerns over the refusal, questioning what the authorities might be hiding. She has long opposed private detention centers and advocates for closing Delaney Hall, as well as halting the expansion of such facilities in New Jersey.
My request for access to Delaney Hall was formally denied this morning, raising serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view,
she stated according to reports, emphasizing her stance against the detention’s conditions.
Protesters hurled water and shouted at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with several demonstrators detained during the skirmish, as reported by WPIX-TV. Tensions flared as ICE agents ordered the crowd to relocate to a nearby grassy area. Protesters chanted slogans like No more ICE! and Free them all!
Amid the protests, detainees inside have initiated a hunger and labor strike. Nearly 300 have condemned their living conditions, citing bad food and medical neglect in a group letter released last week. They acknowledged their illegal entry into the U.S. but described feeling kidnapped and tortured under the current circumstances.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security asserted that detainees receive adequate care. They are provided three meals daily, clean water, clothing, and basic necessities. The spokesperson also claimed ICE detention standards exceed those in many U.S. prisons.
Loved ones have gathered for a vigil, and elected officials, including U.S. Senator Andy Kim, have supported demands for the facility’s shutdown. Many of them visited the site or publicly called for its closure, citing ongoing allegations of poor conditions.
In February 2025, then-DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed the facility housed serious offenders, including murderers and gang members.
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