Newark Imposes Curfew Near Delaney Hall Amid Ongoing Protests

Newark city officials have instituted a curfew surrounding Delaney Hall, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in New Jersey. This facility has become the focus of protests linked to the government’s immigration policies. The curfew applies to a half-mile radius around Delaney Hall from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m., as confirmed by Mayor Ras Baraka. There is currently no specified end date for the curfew.

Baraka emphasized that the escalating tensions necessitated this measure. Law enforcement has arrested several individuals near the site, including those with weapons. The protests began earlier this month following claims by advocates that detainees had initiated a hunger strike in response to conditions at Delaney Hall. Federal officials dispute the occurrence of any hunger strikes.

Protesters continue to gather outside the facility, attempting to prevent vehicles and agents from entering and exiting. The situation has led to reports of officials using force. Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, reported being pepper-sprayed at the site.

Counterprotests and Law Enforcement Response

Supporters of ICE have also organized counterprotests, leading to competing chants across state-erected barricades. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared the area “secured,” warning that protesters blocking law enforcement would face legal consequences.

On Friday, New Jersey state police designated protest zones and checkpoints around Delaney Hall, relieving immigration enforcement agents. DHS reported incidents of ICE officers facing violence and threats.

“Lower the temperature,” urged Governor Mikie Sherrill. “It has grown unsafe, and that’s completely unacceptable.”

Governor Sherrill indicated that deploying police should reduce tensions. Her attempt to visit Delaney Hall was unsuccessful, according to her office.

Reports of Conditions Inside Delaney Hall

Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler described “deeply disturbing” conditions at the facility after his visit. He noted that detainees lacked access to necessary medical care and medication. Nadler called for the immediate closure of Delaney Hall.

Representative Adriano Espaillat criticized Republican focus on external events, urging attention to allegations of poor conditions within the facility.

Ongoing Hunger and Labor Strike

A hunger and labor strike persists inside Delaney Hall. Reports indicate over 200 detainees protesting against inadequate food, healthcare, and air conditioning. The Detention Watch Network reports that 20 more detainees are striking in another California facility.

Nadler shared accounts of small food rations, often containing maggots. He highlighted the delayed medical care experienced by some detainees, including a woman waiting over a month for a mammogram.

Representative Dan Goldman, after visiting the facility, stated, “If you are human, if you are American, you cannot support what is going on here.”

Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary at DHS, overseeing ICE, stated there is “no hunger strike at Delaney Hall” and denied claims of medical neglect. Bis asserted that ICE provides appropriate food, water, and supplies to detainees.