Demonstrations outside Delaney Hall detention center continue as Gov. Sherrill seeks access and detainees reportedly stage hunger strike.
5:41 PM
Protests outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, continued into their fourth day Monday, with demonstrators alleging detainees face poor conditions inside the federally operated center.
The demonstrations began Friday, with family members and advocates gathering outside the facility where hundreds of immigrants are being held. On Monday around 1 a.m., protesters clashed with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, who demonstrators said used pepper spray and batons during the confrontation.
Gabriela Soto, a 28-year-old mother of two from Kearny, organized the rally. Her husband, Martin Soto, has been detained at Delaney Hall since February. Family members reported that visitation was canceled Monday, with relatives who had scheduled visits turned away from the facility.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill arrived at the facility Monday afternoon, hours after the clash between protesters and ICE agents. In a statement released earlier, Sherrill said she was "deeply disturbed by reports of the poor conditions" at the detention center. She told reporters she had requested access to tour the facility but was denied that morning.
"I'll continue to work to go in, but at the same time, I think this really brings to light why the state has been fighting so hard, because this type of facility shows exactly why we should not have private mass detention facilities," Sherrill said.
The governor's visit drew mixed reactions from family members present at the protest. Some expressed frustration with the timing of her arrival. "Four days? Why did it take you so long? People are starving and they're, they're starving," one family member said to Sherrill.
On Saturday, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating that detainees at Delaney Hall receive three meals daily, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and toiletries. The spokesperson added that certified dieticians evaluate meals and that detainees have access to medical, dental, and mental health services.
Demonstrators have alleged that detainees are staging a hunger strike in response to conditions inside the facility. The protests have persisted despite the DHS statement addressing the provision of basic necessities and services.
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