Mayor Ras J. Baraka imposed an emergency curfew around Delaney Hall in Newark after violent clashes erupted between protesters and police.

The measure comes as tensions rise over the immigration detention center, signaling a critical escalation in local unrest and the city's attempt to prevent further injury or property damage.

The curfew began at 12 a.m. [1] on Sunday, May 31, 2026 [3]. The order establishes specific nightly hours for the restricted zone, running from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. [2].

City officials enacted the restriction in response to events that occurred Saturday night. Protesters gathered at the site of the immigration detention center, where the situation deteriorated into physical confrontations with law enforcement. The mayor's office said the emergency order was necessary to restore order to the area surrounding the facility.

Local police are tasked with enforcing the boundaries of the curfew. The order applies specifically to the perimeter of Delaney Hall, which serves as a focal point for those protesting immigration detention practices in the U.S. This targeted approach aims to isolate the conflict to the immediate vicinity of the center while allowing the rest of the city to function normally.

Authorities have not released the total number of arrests from Saturday's clashes, but the implementation of the curfew suggests a high risk of recurring violence. The city continues to monitor the situation as the curfew remains in effect during the designated overnight hours [2].

“Mayor Ras J. Baraka imposed an emergency curfew around Delaney Hall in Newark”

The imposition of a localized curfew indicates that Newark officials view the protests at Delaney Hall not as isolated incidents, but as a volatile security threat. By restricting movement specifically around the detention center, the city is attempting to balance the public's right to protest with the need to maintain civil order and protect critical infrastructure.