Gov. Mikie Sherrill Joins Protest Against Immigration Policies

Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, participated in a protest at a New Jersey immigration detention center. This event marks another confrontation between Sherrill and President Trump regarding his immigration policies. The protest took place at Delaney Hall, where a hunger strike by detainees continued into its fourth day.

During the protest, Sherrill demanded access to Delaney Hall in Newark. She listened to detainees’ family members who voiced concerns about spoiled food and insufficient medical care. The protest saw demonstrators waving signs, playing drums, and chanting slogans such as ‘Free Them All!’ Sherrill addressed the protesters, affirming, ‘No matter what your immigration status is, you shouldn’t be treated with anything less than dignity in this country.’

The governor, dressed casually for the Memorial Day holiday, comforted a crying family member and an upset child during the protest. Trump’s immigration policies have led to numerous protests across the country. Sherrill has been vocal in her opposition, clashing with the Trump administration on several occasions.

In April, the Trump administration took legal action against Sherrill and New Jersey’s attorney general. This suit challenges a state law that prohibits law enforcement, including ICE agents, from wearing masks while on duty. The privately run detention center, with a capacity of 1,000 beds, has become a significant focus in Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. It houses many immigrants detained from New York City and the broader Northeast region. This marks at least the second lawsuit by the Trump administration to challenge Sherrill’s immigration policies.