DHS Criticizes Governor Sherrill’s Claims on ICE Facility Visitor Access
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has publicly challenged New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s assertion that her demands led to the reinstatement of visitation rights at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Officials state that visitation was only suspended due to intense unrest outside the detention center, which had made the environment unsafe.
Governor Sherrill, a Democrat, announced on social media Sunday that family visitation for the approximately 1,000 migrants held at Delaney Hall in Newark would resume. She stated that DHS had “met our demands to restore family visitation,” with limited visits starting at noon and regular hours to be restored the following day. Sherrill urged protesters to “lower the temperature and protest peacefully” to avoid further escalation.
DHS Attributes Resumption to Security Measures
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security countered these claims, telling the New York Post that visitation was reinstated only after authorities regained control of the situation. “We did not cave to the governor’s demands,” the spokesperson stated. “Visitation was suspended because the violent riots outside the facility made it unsafe for our officers, detainees’ families and lawyers to visit the facility. With Delaney Hall secure, ICE operations continue as normal.”
The DHS spokesperson elaborated that the restoration of normal operations, including visitation, was contingent on state police intervention to quell the disturbances. “To be clear: Visitation was only suspended because of violent riots. Now that we have a secure perimeter, visitation can resume,” the official reiterated.
Protests Erupt Over Conditions at Delaney Hall
The privately operated ICE facility became a focal point for protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement following reports of a hunger strike by up to 300 detainees concerned about alleged mistreatment and poor conditions. Governor Sherrill, alongside Senator Andy Kim and Representative Rob Menendez, attempted to visit the facility on Memorial Day, citing a need for a routine inspection. Their subsequent denial of entry reportedly fueled the mass protests.
The demonstrations escalated over the weekend, with clashes between protesters and federal agents. Reports indicate projectiles were thrown, and officers sustained injuries, including bites. A cinder block was also reportedly thrown at an ICE patrol car, shattering its windshield.
State Police Intervention and Arrests
In response to the escalating unrest, New Jersey State Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters from the area outside Delaney Hall on Friday night. Authorities reported multiple arrests, with charges including disorderly conduct and endangering another person. State officials noted that many of those arrested were from out of state, suggesting involvement by national extremist groups.
Governor Sherrill addressed the situation, stating that outsiders were contributing to the violence and chaos. She announced the establishment of designated protest zones and checkpoints to de-escalate tensions. “It has grown unsafe, and that’s completely unacceptable,” Sherrill commented, adding, “To the people coming from out of state to create chaos and dangerous situations: you should not be here. You are not helping the people detained at Delaney Hall.”
Rival Demonstrations and Ongoing Concerns
The protests saw both anti-ICE demonstrators and supporters of ICE gathering outside the facility. Pro-immigration activists called for the closure of Delaney Hall, citing inhumane treatment, while ICE supporters waved American flags and expressed pro-enforcement slogans. Police established separate zones for the rival groups, utilizing fencing and barricades to maintain separation.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the opposing crowds largely remained separated. By Sunday afternoon, the scene had reportedly calmed, with security perimeters and checkpoints keeping demonstrators at a distance. However, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced a curfew for the area surrounding the facility due to the ongoing situation and the need for police intervention.
DHS and Operator Deny Mistreatment Claims
The Department of Homeland Security has asserted that federal officers at Delaney Hall have faced assaults and intimidation as part of a “coordinated campaign of violence.” The agency, along with the GEO Group, which operates Delaney Hall, has pushed back against claims of mistreatment. They maintain that staff have responded appropriately to detainee altercations and complied with federal standards.
Meanwhile, a delegation of House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, visited the detention center on Sunday and reported witnessing “inhumane conditions.” They stated that immigration enforcement should be “fair, just and humane,” criticizing the current administration’s approach.
