Delaney Hall protests continue Saturday as ICE supporters, opponents hold dueling rallies

Protests outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center in New Jersey, continued on Saturday as tensions persisted between anti-ICE demonstrators and police in riot gear. A new barrier was installed around the facility this morning as rival rallies began, following protests alleging horrible conditions inside the center. Lawmakers mobilized, with Governor Mikie Sherrill warning of safety risks and urging peaceful demonstrations. Reports of clashes included pepper spray used by ICE officers to disperse crowds and multiple detentions, with at least three people detained as officers intervened in the protest zone. Hunger-strike allegations were raised by protest groups claiming detainees suffer under conditions; DHS denies those claims and states detainees receive three meals daily and access to medical care. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said health inspectors were permitted inside the facility on Thursday, but details of findings were not released. Gov. Sherrill emphasized peaceful protest as a civic right, warned that an amplified ICE presence near Delaney Hall could threaten public safety and urged de-escalation while continuing to advocate for detainee welfare and eventual closure. Sherrill also stressed that peaceful protest is essential in a democracy and pledged ongoing oversight of conditions at Delaney Hall.