Tensions are high between New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following conflicting accounts regarding the restoration of visitation rights at the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark. Governor Sherrill announced on Sunday that family visitation would resume for the approximately 1,000 migrants held at the facility, attributing the change to her administration’s demands being met.

Governor Claims Victory, DHS Disputes Narrative

Sherrill, a Democrat, posted on social media, “DHS has met our demands to restore family visitation.” She further stated that limited visitation would commence that day, with regular hours restored the following day. She urged protesters to “lower the temperature and protest peacefully 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.”

However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security countered this narrative, asserting that visitation rights were reinstated only after federal authorities regained control of the situation. “We did not cave to the governor’s demands,” the spokesperson told a media outlet. “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 representative reiterated that the suspension was solely due to the “violent riots” and that security had now been re-established.

Facility Becomes Epicenter of Protests

The privately-operated Delaney Hall facility has become a focal point for protests against ICE, fueled by reports of a hunger strike by up to 300 detainees protesting alleged mistreatment and poor conditions. Governor Sherrill, alongside Senator Andy Kim and Representative Rob Menendez, attempted to visit the facility on Memorial Day, reportedly for a routine inspection, but were denied entry. This denial reportedly triggered widespread protests.

Weekend Clashes and Arrests

The demonstrations escalated over the weekend, with instances of protesters reportedly throwing rocks and engaging in physical altercations with federal agents. Reports indicate that three officers sustained bites on Thursday night, and a cinder block was thrown at an ICE patrol car, shattering its windshield. Officials confirmed the arrest and charging of a protester involved in the assault on law enforcement.

On Friday night, New Jersey State Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to clear protesters from the area surrounding Delaney Hall. Governor Sherrill responded by announcing the establishment of designated protest zones and checkpoints, stating the need to “lower the temperature.” She characterized the violence as unacceptable and claimed that many of the individuals arrested were from outside New Jersey, with some national extremist groups involved.

State officials reported that one individual was charged with disorderly conduct and endangering another person, while five others faced charges including disorderly conduct and obstruction. According to New Jersey State Police, four of those arrested were from New York, one from Pennsylvania, and only one was a New Jersey resident.

Additional arrests occurred on Saturday night, including one individual accused of unlawfully possessing a weapon. Authorities alleged that masked protesters charged police lines, used barriers as weapons, and set tires on fire before law enforcement dispersed the crowd.

Rival Demonstrations and Curfew

Social media videos from Saturday appeared to show confrontations between anti-ICE demonstrators and individuals associated with the Proud Boys. Both pro-ICE and anti-ICE groups gathered outside the facility, with approximately 200 ICE supporters and 300 anti-ICE demonstrators present. Police established separate demonstration areas, utilizing fencing and barricades to maintain separation between the rival groups.

By Sunday afternoon, the scene had become calmer, with security perimeters and barricades keeping demonstrators at a distance. Despite the improved situation, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced a curfew for the area surrounding the facility, effective Monday night, citing the need to protect police safety due to the escalating situation and the discovery of weapons among arrested individuals.

DHS Rejects Mistreatment Claims

The Department of Homeland Security also asserted that federal officers at Delaney Hall had faced assaults, threats, and intimidation, describing it as a “coordinated campaign of violence against our ICE law enforcement.” The agency, along with GEO Group, the private operator of Delaney Hall, pushed back against claims of mistreatment, stating that staff responded to a detainee altercation using approved measures and complying with federal standards.

Despite these assurances, a delegation of House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Representatives Rob Menendez, LaMonica McIver, and Josh Gottheimer, visited the detention center on Sunday. They issued a statement describing the “conditions of confinement” as shocking and asserting that “Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just and humane.”