Several protesters have been arrested at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, as violent clashes continue to escalate. The demonstrations stem from a massive labor and hunger strike initiated by more than 300 detainees protesting what they describe as unsanitary living conditions, poor food quality, and a lack of medical care inside the privately-owned detention center, which holds up to 1,000 people.
To manage the escalating situation, local authorities established a half-mile curfew zone around the facility. A few dozen protesters who refused to clear the area were arrested on Monday afternoon. Over the weekend, the site saw chaotic and violent clashes, with state police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to push back demonstrators who attacked a barrier.
New Jersey Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill-who announced state law enforcement would be taking over policing duties outside the facility from federal ICE agents-recently attempted to inspect the site herself but was denied entry. In response, Gov. Sherrill strongly condemned the actions of protesters who put both peaceful demonstrators and law enforcement at risk, while also demanding that the Department of Homeland Security restore family visitation rights for the detainees.
Following her demands, DHS has since partially restored family visitation, though the situation remains highly volatile as protests show no signs of stopping. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also visited the facility this week, condemning the "modern-day concentration camp" conditions.