Protests Turn Violent Outside Newark Immigration Detention Center, More Than 80 Arrested Amid Competing Claims of Abuse

Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement have occurred outside Delaney Hall in Newark since late May 2026. More than 80 people have been arrested following protests at the 1,000-bed immigration detention facility owned by Geo Group. Detainees at Delaney Hall launched a hunger strike in May 2026 and issued handwritten letters demanding improved living conditions and better medical care.

They allege they are given moldy and expired food, some with maggots, and are housed in overcrowded cells lacking air conditioning. Democratic members of Congress from New York City visited Delaney Hall early in the protests and stated that the detainees' accounts are credible.

President Donald Trump and his deputies have defended the center’s operations and denied there is any hunger strike, abuse or poor conditions inside.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, “The fact is, we’re giving them the calories they want. ” Tom Homan said, “The spaghetti was good,” after visiting Delaney Hall. ” Protesters used traffic cones, trash cans and other items as makeshift shields and tried to block vehicles from entering or leaving Delaney Hall.

Officers in riot gear deployed tear gas and used batons against demonstrators. Police on horseback marched into crowds of demonstrators. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche shared images online of bloody wounds and bruises sustained by ICE officers.

On Friday night, ICE officers arrested four people on charges of assaulting law enforcement officers, obstruction and threats. A Seattle man was charged with criminal mischief for smashing car windows in Newark. Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda said, “No one has the right to come into our city, destroy personal property, or incite violence.