Anti-ICE protesters clash with federal agents in New Jersey
In Newark, New Jersey, tensions have flared as anti-ICE demonstrators clashed with federal agents at a local detention facility. The protests, centered around conditions within the facility, have attracted the attention of Democratic officials like Senator Andy Kim, who are urging the release of immigrants they claim are on a hunger strike. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has dismissed these hunger strike claims, accusing the protesters of engaging in political theatrics and obstructing federal duties. The department also highlights the detention of migrants with significant criminal backgrounds.
Amidst this growing controversy, President Donald Trump has weighed in, dismissing the demonstrators outside Delaney Hall. During a Cabinet meeting, he labeled them as “fake” and “paid for,” asserting that the United States operates the best facilities of their kind globally. His comments came as the protests persisted at the Newark ICE detention facility, with Democratic lawmakers amplifying their concerns over the conditions inside.
The protests have been fueled by allegations from detainees and their families concerning overcrowding, substandard living conditions, and insufficient medical care within the facility. Reports from individuals like Senator Andy Kim have brought attention to a possible hunger strike among detainees, intensifying the scrutiny.
On Wednesday, the situation escalated further when Representatives Daniel Goldman and Jerrold Nadler, both Democrats from New York, were escorted into the detention center. Their presence underscored the increasing pressure and examination regarding the conditions detainees face at the facility.
Protesters Clash with ICE as NJ Detention Facility Demonstrations Continue
PROTESTERS CLASH WITH ICE AS NJ DETENTION FACILITY DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE
President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, where he addressed protests outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark. (Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Protests outside Delaney Hall began Friday and have continued throughout the week, at times turning chaotic as demonstrators clashed with ICE agents outside the facility. On Sunday night, protesters attempted to block vehicles from entering and exiting the detention center.
On Monday, officers deployed tear gas and forcibly removed protesters during confrontations outside the facility. Video from the scene showed officers throwing one protester to the ground and dragging another away from the entrance.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also defended conditions inside Delaney Hall and dismissed criticism from detainees and Democratic lawmakers.
SOMETHING TO HIDE? ICE UNDER FIRE FOR SUBSTANDARD CONDITIONS AT FOR-PROFIT DETENTION CENTER
An ICE agent wields a paintball gun from atop an armored vehicle amid ongoing protests at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. (WNYW)
“This isn’t Holiday Inn,” Mullin said when asked about complaints surrounding the facility.
Mullin also criticized elected officials who have appeared outside Delaney Hall, including Kim, who said he witnessed deteriorating conditions firsthand during a recent visit.
“I’m sorry, you probably shouldn’t have been there,” Mullin said when asked about Kim being pepper-sprayed outside the facility.
Kim told CNN detainees showed him spoiled food and described worsening conditions inside the center.
ICE agents detain a protester outside the Delaney Hall detention center after demonstrators protested the transfer of detainees in Newark, N.J., on May 26, 2026. (Andres Kudacki/AP)
“A detainee handed me a carton of milk, and I looked at it, and it was just congealed solid, I mean it was absolutely disgusting,” Kim said.
ICE officials have denied allegations that detainees are being held in unsafe or inhumane conditions at the facility.
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