Protesters and Agents Clash at Newark Immigration Detention Center

Demonstrations outside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention center in Newark escalated into physical confrontations during the Memorial Day weekend. Immigration agents fired pepper balls and spray at protesters who refused orders to disperse after blocking an entrance.

The 1,000-bed facility has been a focal point for demonstrations since reopening last year. Protesters gathered in support of detainees who were reportedly conducting a hunger strike over conditions at the center.

The center first drew wide attention in May 2025 when a mayor was charged with trespassing and a representative was charged with assault during a protest. The trespassing case was later dropped while the assault case continues. A 41-year-old Haitian man died shortly after arrival in December, which federal officials described as a medical emergency.

The most recent protests began over the weekend as demonstrators rallied in support of the reported hunger strike. After a governor joined the protest on the holiday, agents moved to clear protesters blocking an entrance. A senator was among those affected by the pepper spray and spray used during the standoff.

Officials stated that agents began forcibly removing demonstrators after they declined to disperse.