DHS Criticizes Governor’s Claims on ICE Facility Issues
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly stated that New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s assertion of resolving issues at the Delaney Hall ICE facility is inaccurate, with officials claiming she contributed to the problems in the first place. Governor Sherrill announced on social media that visitation rights would be reinstated for the approximately 1,000 migrants held at the Newark facility, following recent clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal authorities.
Sherrill’s statement indicated that DHS had met her demands, with limited visitation resuming and regular hours to be restored. She also urged protesters to de-escalate and demonstrate peacefully to avoid further ICE escalation and community fear.
Visitation Resumed Amidst Security Concerns
However, a DHS spokesperson countered that visitation rights were reinstated only after the facility’s security situation was brought under control. The spokesperson stated that visitation was suspended due to violent riots outside the facility, which compromised the safety of officers, detainees’ families, and legal counsel. According to the DHS, with Delaney Hall now secure, ICE operations are proceeding as normal, and visitation can resume.
The controversy arose after reports surfaced of up to 300 detainees at the privately-run facility engaging in a hunger strike to protest alleged mistreatment and poor conditions. Governor Sherrill, along with other state and federal representatives, attempted to visit the facility for an inspection but were denied entry, which reportedly fueled further protests.
Protests Turn Violent, Law Enforcement Intervention
The demonstrations culminated over the weekend with protesters reportedly throwing rocks and engaging in altercations with federal agents. Several officers sustained bite injuries, and a patrol car’s windshield was shattered by a thrown cinder block. In response, New Jersey State Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters from the area.
Governor Sherrill addressed the escalating situation, stating that designated protest zones and checkpoints were being established. She attributed the violence and chaos to external agitators, noting that many arrested individuals were from out of state and that national extremist groups had become involved.
Authorities reported multiple arrests, with charges including disorderly conduct, endangering another person, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Four individuals arrested on Friday were from New York and Pennsylvania, with only one being a New Jersey resident.
Rival Demonstrations and Facility Operations
The protests saw both anti-ICE demonstrators and pro-ICE groups gathering outside Delaney Hall. Police established separate areas for the rival factions, utilizing fencing and barricades to maintain separation. While officers equipped with riot shields guarded entrances, federal agents and armored vehicles remained visible.
By Sunday afternoon, the scene had reportedly calmed, with security perimeters and checkpoints keeping demonstrators at a distance. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced a curfew for the area surrounding the facility due to the escalating situation and the need to protect police safety.
The DHS also asserted that federal officers at Delaney Hall had faced assaults and threats, characterizing it as a “coordinated campaign of violence.” The GEO Group, which operates Delaney Hall, pushed back against claims of mistreatment, stating that staff followed approved control measures and complied with federal standards.
Congressional Visit Highlights Conditions
Despite the DHS and GEO Group’s statements, a delegation of House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, visited the detention center on Sunday. They reported witnessing conditions that “shock the conscience” and stated that immigration enforcement should be “fair, just and humane,” criticizing the current administration’s approach.
