Newark ICE Detention Center Hunger Strike Sparks Protests and Lawmaker Clash
A hunger strike by approximately 300 detainees at Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center over rotten food and inadequate medical care has escalated into days of protests. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and lawmakers, including Senator Andy Kim, who was gassed by ICE agents, demand facility closure after DHS blocked health inspections. The Trump administration denies the strike, while nearly 50 ICE detainees have died since his return to office.
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Inside the Anti-ICE Protests at Delaney Hall
Since Memorial Day weekend 2026, detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey have been on hunger and labor strikes protesting conditions including substandard medical care, poor food, uncompensated labor, and detention of vulnerable populations. Outside, daily protests have emerged in solidarity. Unlike other ICE facilities, Delaney Hall's location on a four-lane thoroughfare forces protesters to adapt tactics. Federal agents have responded with increased force, using Tasers, batons, and potent pepper spray. The journalist reports this is the most violent ICE response they have witnessed in months of covering such protests. Agents admitted tear gas is avoided due to 'bad optics' but continue using pepper spray. Protesters maintain barricades and block vehicle access while clearing space for medical emergencies, though ICE vehicles exploit these openings. The facility is run by private contractor GEO Group.
Article | The NationInside the Anti-ICE Protests at Delaney Hall
Since Memorial Day weekend 2026, detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey have been on hunger and labor strikes protesting conditions including substandard medical care, poor food, uncompensated labor, and detention of vulnerable populations. Outside, daily protests have emerged in solidarity. Reporter Amanda Moore describes how Delaney Hall's location on a four-lane thoroughfare forces new protest tactics compared to other ICE facilities. Federal agents have used Tasers, batons, and potent pepper spray against demonstrators, with Moore herself being pepper-sprayed while filming. Agents admitted tear gas was avoided due to 'bad optics' but continued using pepper spray. Protesters created barricades and blocked ICE vehicles while always clearing paths for medical emergency vehicles, which ICE vehicles exploited to enter the facility. The GEO Group runs the detention center as a private contractor.
Article | The NationInside the Anti-ICE Protests at Delaney Hall
Since Memorial Day weekend 2026, detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, have been on hunger and labor strikes protesting conditions including substandard medical care, poor food, uncompensated labor, and detention of vulnerable populations. Outside, daily protests have emerged with demonstrators blocking ICE vehicles. Unlike other ICE facilities, Delaney Hall's location on a four-lane thoroughfare creates unique dangers. Reporter Amanda Moore describes escalating force by ICE agents, including Tasers and potent pepper spray, while protesters adopt new tactics. Agents were observed using medical emergency vehicles as cover to move ICE cars. Despite superior firepower, agents appeared understaffed. The article contrasts this with protests at other facilities in Chicago and Minnesota, noting this is the most violent ICE response the reporter has witnessed since August.
Article | The NationHoman Denies Inhumane Detention Conditions After Eating Spaghetti at Delaney Hall
Immigration czar Tom Homan dismissed reports of inhumane conditions at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey, claiming he visited unannounced, ate the same spaghetti meal as detainees, and found the food adequate. He accused hundreds of detainees of lying about conditions. Protests have continued for over a week as prisoners conduct a hunger and labor strike, alleging rotten food, excessive pepper-spray use, and neglect. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also denied the reports, suggesting hunger strikers want 'ethnic-right food' and can return to their countries. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has threatened a lawsuit to shut down the privately-run facility.
The New RepublicHoman Denies Inhumane Detention Conditions Because of Spaghetti
Immigration czar Tom Homan claimed reports of inhumane conditions at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey are false, citing his unannounced visit where he ate spaghetti with detainees. He accused hundreds of detainees of lying about conditions. However, protests have continued for over a week as prisoners conduct a hunger and labor strike, alleging rotten food, excessive pepper-spray use, and neglect. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also denied the reports, suggesting hunger strikers want 'ethnic-right food.' Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has threatened a lawsuit if the facility is not shut down.
The New RepublicHunger Strike at Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Camp Sparks Solidarity and Crackdown
Approximately 300 immigrants detained at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention camp in Newark, New Jersey, have been on a hunger and labor strike for over two weeks, demanding the facility's closure and the release of all detainees. The strike, organized collectively without a leader, has been met with violence from ICE and New Jersey State Police, including beatings and pepper spray on May 25. Detainees have reported appalling conditions: denial of medication, spoiled food, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical care. Outside the facility, family members and supporters have gathered despite police violence. Similar strikes have erupted at GEO Group-run facilities in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The article frames the crackdown as part of a broader pattern of ICE suppressing protest during the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, and highlights a recent AP investigation finding hundreds of medical neglect lawsuits across 33 states.
The New RepublicHunger Strike at Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Camp Sparks Solidarity and Crackdown
Approximately 300 immigrants detained at Delaney Hall, a GEO Group-run immigration detention camp in Newark, New Jersey, have been on a hunger and labor strike for over two weeks, demanding the facility's closure and the release of all detainees. The strikers have published letters detailing harsh conditions, including denial of medication, spoiled food, and poor ventilation. On May 25, administrators attempted to isolate a strike participant, leading to a peaceful protest by detainees that was met with beatings and pepper spray from ICE riot squad, resulting in hospitalizations. Outside the camp, family members and supporters have gathered despite police violence. Similar strikes have erupted at GEO Group facilities in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The article frames the crackdown as part of a broader pattern of ICE suppressing dissent during mass deportations, and highlights a recent AP investigation finding hundreds of lawsuits alleging medical neglect across 33 states.
The New RepublicHunger and Labor Strike at Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Camp
Approximately 300 immigrants detained at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention camp in Newark, New Jersey, have been on a hunger and labor strike for over two weeks, demanding the facility's closure and the release of all detainees. The strike, organized collectively without a leader, has drawn support from family members and activists outside the camp despite violence from ICE and state police. Detainees have published letters detailing harsh conditions, including denial of medication, spoiled food, poor ventilation, and illness outbreaks. On May 25, administrators retaliated against a translator, leading to beatings and pepper spray by a riot squad, sending several to the hospital. Similar strikes have occurred at GEO Group-run facilities in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The article frames the crackdown as part of a broader pattern of ICE suppressing protest amid mass deportations.
The New RepublicNewark Mayor Threatens Lawsuit to Close ICE Detention Center Amid Hunger Strike
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka threatened to sue the federal government to shut down the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, citing reports of poor conditions including a detainee who suffered a miscarriage without proper care. The city has already filed a lawsuit against GEO Group, the private contractor running the facility. Detainees have been on a hunger strike for over a week due to inadequate food, lack of medical care, and unsanitary conditions. Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents while attempting to defuse tensions between protesters and agents. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin mocked Kim and denied the hunger strike, making racist remarks about detainees. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also called for the facility to be shut down.
The New RepublicNewark Mayor Threatens Lawsuit to Close ICE Detention Center Amid Hunger Strike and Abuse Allegations
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced on June 2, 2026, that the city may sue to shut down the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, citing reports of poor conditions including a detainee who suffered a miscarriage without proper care. A lawsuit was filed Tuesday against the private operator GEO Group. Detainees have been on a hunger strike for over a week protesting inadequate food, lack of medical care, and unsanitary conditions. Protesters outside the facility were met with violence from ICE agents, and Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed while attempting to defuse tensions. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin mocked Kim and denied the hunger strike, making racist remarks about detainees. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has also called for the facility to be shut down.
The New RepublicNewark Mayor Threatens Lawsuit to Close Delaney Hall ICE Detention Center
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka threatened to sue the federal government to shut down the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, citing reports of poor conditions including a detainee who suffered a miscarriage without proper care. The city filed a lawsuit against GEO Group, the private contractor running the facility. Detainees have been on a hunger strike for over a week due to inadequate food, lack of medical care, and unsanitary conditions. Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents while attempting to defuse tensions between agents and protesters. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin mocked Kim, denied the hunger strike, and made racist remarks about detainees. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also called for the facility to be shut down.
The New RepublicDHS Officials Contradict Each Other on Hunger Strike at New Jersey ICE Detention Center
Federal officials are giving conflicting accounts about a reported hunger strike at Delaney Hall, a privately operated ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Activist groups claim hundreds of detainees began a hunger strike over Memorial Day weekend to protest spoiled food, medical neglect, poor living conditions, and abuse. The DHS initially denied any hunger strike, while White House border czar Tom Homan threatened force-feeding. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin later claimed only a handful of detainees were refusing food due to wanting 'ethnic right food.' Lawyers for detainees countered that the issue is food edibility, including worms found in meals. A handwritten letter signed by nearly 300 detainees details complaints of medical neglect, including untreated HIV, cancer, and diabetes, as well as COVID-19 spread. The DHS continues to deny the hunger strike and any mistreatment.
Reason.comDHS Officials Contradict Each Other on Hunger Strike at New Jersey ICE Detention Center
Federal officials are giving conflicting accounts about a reported hunger strike at Delaney Hall, a privately operated ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Activist groups and detainees claim hundreds are refusing food to protest spoiled food, medical neglect, and poor conditions, with a handwritten letter signed by nearly 300 detainees detailing issues including worms in food and untreated illnesses. The DHS initially denied any hunger strike on social media, but White House border czar Tom Homan later threatened to force-feed strikers if necessary. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin then claimed only a 'handful' of detainees were refusing food over 'ethnic' food preferences, a claim lawyers for detainees rejected, stating the issue is food edibility, not preference. The DHS issued a press release calling the allegations 'categorically false smears.' The confusion highlights ongoing disputes over conditions in immigration detention facilities.
Reason.comNew Jersey Governor Calls for Shutdown of ICE Detention Center After DHS Blocks Health Inspection
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the closure of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied state health inspectors full access to the facility. The call follows a reported labor and hunger strike by approximately 300 detainees protesting due process violations and inhumane conditions, with at least one death occurring. Protests outside the facility have led to federal agents using pepper spray and tasers on demonstrators, including Democratic Senator Andy Kim. The Trump administration has denied the hunger strike, while border czar Tom Homan threatened force-feeding. Delaney Hall is a for-profit prison run by Geo Group under federal contract. The New Jersey ACLU condemned the treatment of detainees and elected officials, emphasizing that federal representatives have faced abuse while attempting oversight.
The New RepublicNew Jersey Governor Calls for Shutdown of ICE Detention Center After DHS Blocks Health Inspection
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the closure of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied state health inspectors full access to the facility. The call follows a reported labor and hunger strike by approximately 300 detainees protesting due process violations and inhumane conditions, including at least one death. Protests outside the facility have escalated, with federal agents using pepper spray and tasers on demonstrators, including Democratic Senator Andy Kim. The Trump administration denies the hunger strike is occurring, while border czar Tom Homan threatened force-feeding. Delaney Hall is a for-profit prison run by Geo Group under federal contract. The New Jersey ACLU condemned the treatment of detainees and elected officials, emphasizing that federal representatives have been abused while attempting oversight.
The New RepublicNew Jersey Governor Calls for Shutdown of ICE Detention Center After DHS Blocks Health Inspection
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the closure of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center after the Department of Homeland Security denied state health inspectors full access to the facility. The call comes amid reports that approximately 300 detainees have been on a labor and hunger strike since last Friday, protesting due process violations and inhumane conditions, with at least one death reported. Protests outside the facility have resulted in federal agents using pepper spray and tasers on demonstrators, including Democratic Senator Andy Kim. The Trump administration denies the hunger strike is occurring, though border czar Tom Homan threatened force-feeding. Delaney Hall is a for-profit facility operated by the Geo Group under federal contract. The New Jersey ACLU condemned the treatment of detainees and elected officials attempting oversight.
The New RepublicICE Detainees at Delaney Hall Strike Against GEO Group Over Forced Labor and Conditions
Approximately 300 immigrants detained at GEO Group's Delaney Hall facility in Newark, New Jersey, have initiated a hunger and labor strike, refusing to perform essential jobs such as cooking, cleaning, and repairs. The detainees, who are paid as little as $1 a day or nothing, describe conditions as physical and psychological torture, including decaying food with worms, untreated illnesses, and inhumane bathroom conditions. Protests outside the facility grew over the Memorial Day weekend, drawing New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, who were denied access. Federal agents later attacked protesters with batons, pepper balls, and pepper spray, and Senator Kim was hit with tear gas. The strike targets GEO Group's profits, which reached $705.2 million in the first quarter, by disrupting the facility's reliance on unpaid or underpaid detainee labor. Advocates say the work program is coercive, with guards retaliating against those who refuse through solitary confinement or denial of medical care.
The American ProspectICE Detainees at Delaney Hall Strike Against GEO Group Over Labor and Conditions
Approximately 300 immigrants detained at GEO Group's Delaney Hall facility in Newark, New Jersey, have initiated a hunger and labor strike, refusing to perform essential jobs such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance. The detainees allege physical and psychological torture due to poor living conditions, including decaying food, untreated illnesses, and forced labor for as little as $1 per day. Protests outside the facility have grown, drawing New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, who were denied access and faced tear gas from federal agents. The strike targets GEO Group's profits, which rely on detainee labor under the federal Voluntary Work Program. Advocates say the program is coercive, with retaliation for refusal including solitary confinement. The article highlights systemic exploitation and calls for the facility's closure.
The American ProspectUS Senator Andy Kim Gassed by ICE at Newark Detention Center Protest
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and other lawmakers joined a protest outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, where detainees are on hunger strike over rotten food and inadequate medical care. The Trump administration denied lawmakers' request for access to the facility, raising questions about what they are hiding. Senator Andy Kim, who did gain access, was caught in tear gas and pepper spray fired by ICE agents from an armored vehicle. Protesters have gathered since last week to support the hunger strike, which escalated after ICE moved strike leader Martin Soto to another facility, allegedly as punishment. Lawmakers who visited described conditions as inhumane and renewed calls for the facility's closure. The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the visits as a political stunt and denied there is a hunger strike. The 1,000-bed facility has become a focal point in Trump's immigration crackdown, and CNN reports nearly 50 ICE detainees have died since Trump returned to office.
TheWeek feedUS Senator Andy Kim Gassed by ICE at Newark Detention Center Protest
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and other lawmakers joined a protest outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, where detainees are on hunger strike over rotten food and inadequate medical care. The Trump administration denied lawmakers' request for access to the facility, raising concerns about what is being hidden. Senator Andy Kim, who did gain access, was caught in tear gas and pepper spray fired by ICE agents from an armored vehicle. Protesters have gathered since last week to support the hunger strike, which escalated after ICE moved strike leader Martin Soto to another facility. Lawmakers described conditions as inhumane and called for the facility's closure. The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the visits as a political stunt and denied the existence of a hunger strike. The 1,000-bed facility has become a focal point in Trump's immigration crackdown, with nearly 50 ICE detainees having died since his return to office.
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