Newark city authorities have set a curfew around Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in New Jersey. This action follows protests and clashes regarding the U.S. government’s immigration policies.
Mayor Ras Baraka announced a mandatory curfew from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. in the half-mile area surrounding Delaney Hall. The duration of this measure remains uncertain.
Baraka emphasized the need for the curfew due to escalating protests, resulting in several arrests near the site. Some arrested individuals were found with weapons.
Protests and Counterprotests
Protests began this month after reports of detainees launching a hunger strike over conditions at the detention center. Federal officials, however, deny the existence of a hunger strike.
Over several days, demonstrators have tried to block vehicles and agents from accessing the facility. Reports indicate a forceful response from officials, with New Jersey Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat, stating he was pepper-sprayed outside the facility.
Backing ICE, counterprotesters have also made their presence known, leading to shouting matches across state-imposed barricades.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the area is secured, warning that protesters blocking law enforcement would face legal consequences.
New Jersey state police have designated protest zones and checkpoints around Delaney Hall, replacing immigration enforcement agents at the site. The DHS reports that ICE officers have suffered assaults, bites, and threats.
Political Reactions
Governor Mikie Sherrill referred to the situation as unsafe, advocating for police deployment to calm tensions. Sherrill was denied access to the facility during a visit.
Representative Jerry Nadler described conditions in Delaney Hall as deeply troubling. He supports closing the center due to denied access to potentially life-saving care and medicine.
Representative Adriano Espaillat criticized Republicans for diverting focus to external events, rather than addressing serious allegations of detainee mistreatment.
Delaney Hall Hunger Strike
According to detainees and advocates, a hunger and labor strike has lasted over a week, with over 200 people protesting against food quality, medical care, and air conditioning.
Detention Watch Network reports another 20 strikers in a separate California facility. Nadler reported food rations with maggots and inadequate medical attention at Delaney Hall.
Manhattan Representative Dan Goldman condemned the conditions after his visit to the center.
Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary at the DHS, denied reports of a hunger strike and medical negligence. She stated ICE provides sufficient food, water, bedding, and hygiene supplies.
Update 5/31/2026 at 7 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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