The facility has been the site of sustained protests since late last week, which were initially sparked by reports of a hunger strike among detainees over living conditions. Federal authorities have repeatedly debunked claims of a hunger strike or subpar conditions, though the violent riots have persisted.
Law enforcement officers have faced repeated assaults over the course of the demonstrations. Federal authorities documented incidents in which protesters bit, kicked, and punched ICE agents.
Authorities have also disclosed threats directed at agents and their families. Federal officials stated that some individuals made direct threats, including statements targeting the children and spouses of officers. Investigations into these threats are underway, with officials characterizing them as significant violations.
Violent riots persisted outside Delaney Hall — a 1,000-bed immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey that is currently being operated by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) — despite New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill claiming that order had been restored.
Sherrill directed the establishment of designated protest zones and vehicle checkpoints to manage traffic and provide areas for assembly while aiming to maintain public safety. State police officials negotiated with federal counterparts, leading ICE agents to step back from frontline duties in the parking lot and immediate vicinity.
Despite the deployment, intense clashes persisted throughout the night. Video footage from the scene made known state troopers using tear gas, flash bangs, and other crowd-control measures as protesters gathered in large numbers.
Tensions escalated around 11 p.m., with reports of scuffles as law enforcement attempted to clear areas and enforce boundaries. Protesters had previously employed tactics such as linking arms to form human chains, using umbrellas and trash cans as barriers, and blocking access to the facility. These actions persisted even after the state police takeover.
At least six demonstrators were detained earlier in the week for assaulting officers, with additional arrests occurring on subsequent nights. State police encountered similar resistance on Friday as they worked to maintain order.
As of Saturday, May 30, demonstrations are anticipated to continue into the evening. Local and state law enforcement remain on site, and it is unclear how many, if any arrests were made by state police.
