Federal Agents Withdraw from New Jersey Detention Center

Clashes erupted recently between protesters and armed federal agents in the parking lot of Delaney Hall in Newark. The confrontations began over the Memorial Day weekend and continued for nearly a week.

Protesters demonstrated against conditions at the Delaney Hall detention center. Federal agents and demonstrators faced off during this period, prompting significant attention.

On May 29, 2026, federal agents agreed to withdraw from the area. This decision allows New Jersey state officials to oversee the protests. Previously, these protests had turned violent under federal oversight.

Sgt. First Class Charles Marchan of the New Jersey State Police stated that the agency negotiated with federal officials for the withdrawal. With the federal agents leaving, state police can now manage the situation outside Delaney Hall.

The change aims to restore order where federal officers had previously charged into a crowd. Officers used chemical irritants and physical force, arresting three protesters and removing them across a razor-wire fence.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared the federal withdrawal a victory for his agency. He noted that New Jersey’s Governor Mikie Sherrill had previously refused federal agents’ cooperation with state police.

“This is a win for law and order,” Mullin stated, expressing gratitude to the governor.

Federal agents claim that their actions used minimal force. They argue that the protesters obstructed law enforcement duties.

Governor Sherrill announced that state police would establish a protest zone outside Delaney Hall. This area allows demonstrators to gather peacefully.