The New Jersey state government denied Sherrill access to the Newark ICE detention center
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Anti-ICE protesters and authorities clashed Monday outside a detention center in New Jersey where critics say illegal immigrants are being held in appalling conditions.
Protesters tried to form a human chain outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill tried to enter the building but was denied entry, according to local reports.
“My request to enter Delaney Hall was officially denied this morning, raising serious questions about who is trying to hide it from the public,” Sherrill said, according to Patch.
“I have long opposed private detention facilities and will continue to advocate for the closure of Delaney Hall and any expansion of mass detention facilities in New Jersey, such as the proposed facility in Roxbury,” the governor said.
BLUE STATE ICE CENTER ENSURES PROTECTION OF NEW ISSUES WHILE COMMUNICATING WITH PROVIDERS
A surveillance camera is installed outside Delaney Hall, a detention center operated by the GEO Group for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Newark, NJ, on May 10, 2025. (Bing Guan/Reuters)
Some protesters threw water and yelled at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who were seen arresting several protesters, WPIX-TV reported.
Protesters and bystanders could be heard yelling for ICE, who ordered the crowd to move to a grassy area off the road. Agents and protesters came face-to-face before the situation defused.
“No more ICE!” the protesters chanted. Others shouted, “Free them all!”
DEMOCRATS' ICE FACILITY 'FULL' OF CHILDREN, KILLERS: OFFICIALS
Protesters block vehicles from entering or leaving the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, on June 12, 2025, following reports of the escape of four immigrants. On Monday, protesters clashed with ICE agents during a protest outside the facility. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu)
Meanwhile, hundreds of prisoners inside have begun a hunger strike along with staff, as lawyers say they live in poor conditions and are denied medical treatment and visits. In a group letter released last week, nearly 300 prisoners say they live in “inhumane” conditions, citing poor food and medical neglect.
The letter acknowledged that they entered the United States illegally, noting that they now feel “captured.”
“We first asked for forgiveness for the way we entered the United States, but because of the conditions we lived in in our countries, which put our lives and those of other members of our families at risk,” the letter said. “We feel vulnerable and, in a way, captured – detained for no reason – not to mention physically and mentally abused because of the poor food facilities provided in these detention centers.”
A DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital that all inmates are provided with three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap and toiletries.
“Illegal aliens are also able to get phone calls to contact their family members and lawyers, the spokesperson said. “Certified nutritionists check the food. In fact, ICE has higher incarceration rates than most US prisons that hold actual US citizens. “
Family members and loved ones have been holding a vigil outside the facility since Friday.
New Jersey Gov. Mike Sherrill and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, DN.J., were seen outside Delaney Hall on Monday. Democrats have called for the detention center to be closed because of allegations of poor housing conditions for illegal immigrants. (Sen. Andy Kim ; X)
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In February 2025, former Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the facility housed “murderers, terrorists, child rapists and MS-13 gang members.”
Several elected officials have recently visited the facility or called for its closure, including Sen. Andy Kim and Reps. Rob Menendez Jr., Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver, Analilia Mejia, and Frank Pallone Jr.
