In Newark, New Jersey, protesters and authorities clashed on Monday outside the Delaney Hall detention center. Critics argue that the facility holds illegal immigrants in poor conditions. Demonstrators attempted to form a human chain around the facility, while New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s request to enter was denied, raising questions about transparency, according to Patch.

Sherrill expressed concern about private detention facilities and advocated for closing Delaney Hall and preventing the expansion of mass detention centers in New Jersey. She highlighted the refusal of her entry as troubling, suggesting a possible lack of transparency.

Reports from WPIX-TV revealed that some protesters threw water at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who detained several individuals. The crowd was ordered to move to a grassy area, temporarily intensifying the confrontation. Protesters chanted slogans like “No more ICE!” and “Free them all!”

Inside the facility, nearly 300 detainees have initiated a hunger and labor strike, protesting over inadequate living conditions. They sent a group letter describing “inhumane” conditions, such as poor food and medical neglect, stating they feel “kidnapped” due to their unexpected detention.

The letter shared detainees’ regrets over illegal entry into the United States, stating they fled their homelands to survive. They described feeling detained without proper justification and criticized the detention conditions as physically and psychologically torturous.

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson countered these claims, stating that detainees receive three meals a day, clean water, and hygiene products. They emphasized detainees have access to communication tools and that ICE maintains standards exceeding those of other U.S. prisons.

Advocates and family members have maintained a vigil outside the facility. Alongside Governor Sherrill, U.S. Senator Andy Kim pushed for Delaney Hall to be shut down due to alleged substandard conditions.

In February 2025, former DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the facility houses serious offenders, including murderers and gang members. Other officials, like Representatives Rob Menendez Jr. and Frank Pallone Jr., have also called for the facility’s closure.