Protests Continue Outside Newark ICE Detention Facility Over Conditions

Activists said detainees reported receiving frozen food with worms and being denied toilet paper. Several protests have taken place at the facility gates, and federal agents used pepper spray and batons during clashes with demonstrators on May 26.

Homeland Security denied allegations of a hunger strike or inhumane conditions. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that only a handful of individuals had refused to eat and that detainees were receiving adequate calories. Mullin also said Congress members should not have entered the facility.

Elected Officials' Visits and Statements Sen. Andy Kim and Rep.

Rob Menendez Jr. entered Delaney Hall on Saturday after repeated requests. Kim said he observed a pregnant detainee who reported not receiving full OB-GYN care and another who said she did not receive care after a miscarriage. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill was denied access to the facility multiple times and joined Kim at a protest on Monday.

Sherrill stated in a Monday release that her request for entry had been formally denied that morning. Shortly after Sherrill left the Monday rally, agents deployed pepper spray and fired rubber bullets while moving vehicles, according to WABC. Kim said on social media that an armored vehicle and line of armed agents escalated tensions.

DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis accused the New Jersey lawmakers of conducting a political stunt. Two individuals were arrested for assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers, according to Mullin. Demonstrations continued on Wednesday but remained peaceful as of the afternoon.