Protesters clashed with ICE agents outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, during demonstrations that began on May 27, 2026 [1].
The unrest highlights escalating tensions over federal immigration detention conditions and the treatment of detainees, sparking a confrontation between state and federal authorities.
More than 300 detainees are currently staging a hunger strike inside the facility [2]. These individuals are protesting what they describe as appalling detention conditions, and are demanding their release [3]. Outside the walls, activists have gathered to support the hunger strikers, leading to physical confrontations with federal agents on May 27 and May 28 [1, 4].
Governor Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) was denied entry to the facility during the unrest [5]. Following eight days of demonstrations, the governor said that the New Jersey State Police will take over monitoring the protests from ICE agents [6]. This shift in security oversight follows reports of clashes between the federal agents and the crowds [5].
Organizers have vowed to maintain their presence until the detainees are released. "We won't stop until they're free," a protest organizer said [2].
The demonstrations continued into Tuesday, reflecting a growing movement against the conditions at the Newark site [4]. The facility is managed by GEO Group and overseen by the Department of Homeland Security [3].
“"We won't stop until they're free"”
The transition of security duties from federal ICE agents to New Jersey State Police indicates a significant friction point between the state government and federal immigration authorities. By intervening, Governor Sherrill is attempting to de-escalate physical violence at the site while signaling a lack of confidence in how federal agents handled the protests and the reported conditions within the GEO Group-managed facility.
