NEWARK, New Jersey — Protests continued outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark as demonstrators gathered to call attention to conditions for detainees inside, with some clashes reported in recent days between protesters and law enforcement.
The demonstrations, which began in late May 2026, center on allegations of inhumane conditions at the privately operated facility, including claims of inadequate food, medical care and overcrowding. Detainees launched a hunger and labor strike to protest those conditions, according to advocacy groups and officials.
State and local police have enforced curfews and established protest zones around the facility in an effort to manage the gatherings. Officials reported multiple arrests for curfew violations and other offenses during overnight confrontations.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said out-of-state agitators had contributed to rising tensions. "Almost all arrested on Friday not from New Jersey," she noted, attributing some escalation to national extremist groups.
The Department of Homeland Security and ICE have stated that detainees receive medical, dental and mental health services as available. Federal agents have used pepper balls and other measures in response to what they described as protesters blocking entrances and access to the facility.
Advocacy organizations and local officials have pushed for improved oversight and inspections of the 1,000-bed facility. Some elected officials, including members of Congress, visited the site to speak with detainees.
Protesters have included immigration advocates demanding better conditions and the release of detainees, while counter-demonstrators have also appeared at times. Authorities reported incidents involving blocking of vehicles and physical confrontations, leading to police intervention.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and state officials have adjusted security measures, with Newark police taking over management of the area from state police in some instances. A curfew was imposed in the vicinity of the facility, though its exact enforcement has varied.
"The ongoing situation highlights deep concerns on all sides about immigration enforcement and detention practices," a state official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. Details on the current number of detainees participating in the strike and the precise status of negotiations remain unclear.
ICE has not released comprehensive details on internal conditions, while advocacy groups continue to call for independent investigations. No major injuries have been widely confirmed in recent reports from either side.
As of Tuesday, protests persisted but with reportedly smaller crowds compared to the peak of activity over the Memorial Day weekend. Further developments depend on ongoing efforts by state authorities and federal agencies to address the situation at Delaney Hall.
