Newark Imposes Curfew Amid Protests at Delaney Hall

Curfew Enforced at Delaney Hall

Newark city officials have implemented a curfew around Delaney Hall, a detention facility under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey. Protests and clashes erupted due to the U.S. government’s immigration policies. Mayor Ras Baraka stated that the curfew spans a half-mile radius around Delaney Hall, effective from 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. There is no definite timeline for this measure.

Baraka cited the “escalating situation” for the curfew, noting several arrests, with some individuals found carrying weapons. Protests began earlier this month following claims of a hunger strike by detainees over conditions at Delaney Hall. Federal authorities have disputed the presence of a hunger strike. Demonstrators have gathered for days, attempting to block access to the facility, alleging that officials used excessive force. Senator Andy Kim reported being pepper-sprayed outside Delaney Hall.

Counterprotests and Law Enforcement Actions

Supporters of ICE have organized counterprotests, leading to competing chants across barricades set up by state officials. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the area around Delaney Hall is “secured,” warning that obstruction of law enforcement will result in legal consequences. On Friday, New Jersey state police established protest zones and checkpoints, replacing immigration agents overwhelmed by protestors. DHS reported that ICE officers have been assaulted and threatened by demonstrators.

Calls for Safety and Investigation

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed concerns over safety at Delaney Hall, stating that the police presence aims to “lower the temperature”. Sherrill’s attempt to visit Delaney Hall was denied access. Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler visited the facility describing “deeply disturbing” conditions including denial of “potentially life-saving care”. Nadler advocated for the closure of Delaney Hall.

Representative Adriano Espaillat emphasized that Republican focus on outside events should not detract from the “deplorable conditions” reported inside Delaney Hall. A hunger and labor strike involving over 200 detainees over issues like food quality and medical care has been ongoing, along with a separate strike reported in another California facility.

Contradicting Official Statements

Nadler described detainees receiving inadequate meals often containing maggots. He cited a case where a woman waited over a month for a mammogram. The facility’s only available medication is reportedly Tylenol. Manhattan Representative Dan Goldman urged against supporting current conditions at Delaney Hall.

Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary at DHS, refuted claims of a hunger strike or neglect. She maintained ICE provides adequate nutrition, medical care, bedding, and hygiene supplies.

Update 5/31/2026 at 7 a.m. ET: Additional information has been included in this article.