Clashes erupted early Monday outside Delaney Hall in Newark as protesters attempted to block the transfer of a detainee leading a hunger strike.
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Protests escalated at a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, over the Memorial Day weekend, culminating in a clash between demonstrators and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents early Monday morning.
Protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall, a privately run facility, beginning Friday and grew in number throughout the weekend. The demonstrations were led by Gabriela Soto, the pregnant wife of Martin Soto, a detainee at the facility who announced Friday that he and others had begun a hunger strike.
According to video obtained by CBS 2 New York, ICE agents wielded batons and pepper spray as they moved into a group of protesters. Witnesses told The City that the incident occurred as agents prepared to transfer Martin Soto out of the facility in a van. Protesters attempted to block the vehicle's exit. Officials said agents were able to move Soto to the Elizabeth contract detention facility despite the demonstration.
Protesters alleged that agents deployed pepper spray and batons against them during the confrontation. The BBC reported that on Monday, ICE agents used pepper spray to disperse protesters, some of whom threw objects at the agents.
The hunger strike began May 22, with detainees alleging inhumane conditions at the facility. Family members said some detainees were not receiving proper medical care. U.S. Senator Andy Kim and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill joined protesters outside the detention center. Kim was able to enter the facility and spoke with detainees who reported poor food and water quality, along with limited access to medical care.
In a written statement, the Department of Homeland Security said that detainees receive "medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care." The department denied allegations of inhumane treatment.
Protesters said they refuse to leave until conditions inside the facility improve. Demonstrations continued at the site following the Monday morning clash.
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