DELANEY HALL ICE DETENTION CENTER: PROTESTS, CLASHES, AND CURFEW IN NEWARK

June 1, 2026 — Newark, New Jersey
Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, became the site of sustained protests, law enforcement clashes, a detainee hunger strike, and a nightly curfew over a ten-day period beginning May 22, 2026.

WATCH ALL VIDEOS FROM DELANEY HALL CLASHES HERE

On May 22, 2026, a group of detainees began a hunger and labor strike over what they described as inhumane conditions inside the facility. In letters, detainees cited the spread of disease, long response times by guards in cases of injury, food containing worms, insufficient medical care, and bathrooms they described as being in inhumane condition.

Federal officials disputed the claims. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said on social media there was “NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall” and that there were “no subprime conditions.” DHS said detainees were receiving three meals a day and access to comprehensive medical care.

Protesters at Delaney Hall blocked unmarked government vehicles and confronted armed, masked ICE agents, including some who used gas canisters and batons. Federal agents fired pepper balls and mace at protesters outside Delaney Hall on May 26. ICE agents in riot gear arrived late that afternoon to remove protesters blocking the facility entrance.

On May 30, Sherrill announced New Jersey State Police would set up designated protest zones and vehicle checkpoints outside Delaney Hall, relieving ICE agents who had been clashing with protesters for days. ICE agents agreed to stand down, with state police assuming responsibility for the area.

Following escalating late-night clashes, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka instituted a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew around a half-mile radius of Delaney Hall, until further notice. Those who violated the curfew were subject to removal and prosecution.

On the night of May 31, several protesters were arrested after refusing to leave when the curfew began. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said a group had arrived armed with helmets, shields, or gas masks and refused repeated orders to leave.