Controversy and Conflict at Delaney Hall ICE Facility
On June 3, a coordinated protest took place at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark, N.J. The event’s planning was revealed through investigations conducted on social media and encrypted platforms. This organized action attracted protesters against the facility, triggered by widespread messages sent out by various groups.
Harnessing social media and encrypted messages, groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Working Group and Al-Awda rallied protesters. The message shared read, “CURFEW IS OVER. BACK TO DELANEY,” motivating activists to converge on the detention center. Many protesters were prepared with protective gear and supplies, indicating a well-orchestrated effort.
Fox News Digital’s investigation showed that these protests were not spontaneous. They stemmed from planned strategies formed over years by various organizations. Groups behind the protests include the ACLU, Indivisible, and Democratic Socialists of America, with a collective revenue of about $850 million.
This was not an organic protest. It was a strategic, calculated endeavor by organized groups.
Numerous nonprofit organizations are involved in the network surrounding the Delaney Hall protests. These groups benefited from tax privileges and have become subjects of investigation by authorities regarding their potential misuse of nonprofit laws.
The protests saw various tactics shared in a document named the “Delaney Hall Creator Brief,” instructing protesters on specific language and narratives to use when describing the facility and those detained there. This approach mirrors the methods used previously in similar protests at different locations.
Recent confrontations have led to arrests and heightened security at the facility, with police and state troopers actively responding to protest actions. The protest actions have included tents equipped with gear and supplies for activists, further underscoring the planned nature of these events.
Organized logistics operations were evident, with coordinated efforts to arrange transportation, supplies, and communications among protesters. Conversations among participants demonstrated a focus on maintaining anonymity and avoiding self-identification in public forums.
This network of coordinated protests drew attention from lawmakers and nonprofit experts. Concerns about the protests’ scope and methods have prompted calls for investigations.
The Delaney Hall network has its roots in 2025 when the facility was announced for reopening by the GEO Group Inc. Local activists initially protested outside the center, gradually building a coalition over time. Their efforts evolved into organized movements and established a continual presence around the facility.
These coalitions operate in a structured fashion, dividing responsibilities among participants. The primary groups include ‘Eyes on ICE NJ,’ ‘ICE Out of NJ,’ and the ‘New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.’ Each has a distinct focus, from direct protest actions to legislative campaigning.
Funding for these initiatives spans state and national borders, involving significant donors backing the protests and their larger mission. Elected officials have also been drawn into the spotlight, participating in debates and discussions surrounding the facility’s operations.
While Fox News Digital has tracked many organizations involved, much of the protest logistics and individual identities remain shrouded in secrecy. Despite this, the protests persisted, drawing on these well-established networks to support their actions against the facility and broader federal policies.