ICE Moves Detainee from Newark Center During Protest

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement transferred detainee Martin Alonso Soto Hernandez from Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, to the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility on May 24, 2026. Protesters had gathered outside Delaney Hall since Friday to support a hunger and work strike that Soto Hernandez announced that day.

The strike calls for the release of elderly detainees, young detainees, and those with medical conditions.

Demonstrators formed a human chain and set up barricades around the facility entrances on Sunday evening. They attempted to block the scheduled transfer after learning that Soto Hernandez was being moved. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that approximately 125 people obstructed the vehicle and struck it with objects, causing damage.

The same statement said agents later dispersed about 70 demonstrators and removed the barricades before completing the transfer. Protesters alleged that agents used pepper spray and batons during the confrontation. The Guardian reported that at least one demonstrator was pepper-sprayed and another suffered a leg injury.

“On May 24, 2026, approximately 125 agitators surrounded Delaney Hall Detention Facility. They formed a human chain around entrances to the facility and set up barricades, blocking all entries and exits.”

Gabriela Soto, wife of the detainee, told reporters she tried to stop the transfer by banging on the vehicle door. She said her husband was screaming and banging on the window inside the van. GEO Group, the company that operates Delaney Hall, said it provides around-the-clock medical care, legal visitation, and other services at its ICE facilities.

The company stated that all of its ICE centers are accredited by several industry organizations.

Kim and Governor Mikie Sherrill visited the facility Monday morning to meet with detainees' relatives. Kim posted on X that Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately. DHS said visitation at the center has been suspended for safety reasons. Officials added that the transfer proceeded despite the demonstrations.