The Department of Homeland Security has criticized New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill for her claims of resolving a significant issue linked to the violent protests at Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center last Sunday.
Governor Sherrill announced that visitation rights for the 1,000 migrants detained at the privately operated facility had been reinstated. This measure addressed one of the grievances that had fueled a prolonged hunger strike by some detainees and resulted in confrontations between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents.
Contrary to Sherrill’s assertions, DHS officials stated that the decision to restore visitation rights came after they managed to control the violent protests, which they alleged were incited by Sherrill and her supporters.
“We did not yield to the Governor’s demands,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. “Visitation was initially suspended due to the dangerous riots outside the facility, posing risks to our officers, detainees’ families, and legal representatives.”
The spokesperson further clarified, “Now that Delaney Hall is secure, ICE operations are proceeding normally. It’s important to note that visitation was only halted because of the violent unrest. With our perimeter secured, visitation can now safely resume.”
Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark, became a focal point for anti-ICE protests from at least May 22, illustrating the deep-seated tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement in the region.
On Saturday, tensions exploded between protesters and police, who were forced to deploy tear gas in response to the demonstrations devolving into riots.
Top Democratic officials, including Sherrill, raised concerns about conditions in the facility and the lack of visitation hours.
Sherrill and NJ Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez visited the facility on Memorial Day and made a big show of trying to gain access for an inspection.
They were denied entry, and clashes escalated after that.
“DHS has met our demand to restore family visitation. Starting today, limited visitation will resume at noon, and regular visitation hours will be restored beginning tomorrow,” Sherrill announced Sunday.
“I urge everyone who shares these goals to continue working together to lower the temperature and protest peacefully â so we can continue making progress for families and detainees while avoiding any ICE escalation that would only create more fear and uncertainty in our communities.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) visited the facility Sunday alongside New Jersey Reps. Menendez, LaMonica McIver and Josh Gottheimer.
“The conditions of confinement we witnessed firsthand and discussed with approximately two dozen detainees at the Delaney Hall detention center shock the conscience,” the four House Dems said in a statement.
“Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just and humane. The Trump administration is doing the exact opposite.”
