Senator Andy Kim Pepper-Sprayed at Newark ICE Detention Protest
Democratic Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents on March 31, 2025, while attempting to de-escalate tensions between protesters and law enforcement outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Kim had visited to investigate reports of a hunger strike over inhumane conditions, including spoiled food, overcrowding, and denied medical care. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed Kim, calling the protest a "political stunt." The incident underscores escalating conflict between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement.
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Homan 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. This comes amid a week-long hunger and labor strike by prisoners 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 to shut down the privately run facility.
The New RepublicAndy Kim Wants Delaney Hall to Outrage You
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim visited the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark amid escalating protests and a detainee hunger strike over poor conditions and lack of legal case progress. Kim was pepper-sprayed alongside protesters after being initially denied entry by Geo Group, the private contractor running the facility. He describes meeting a pregnant woman denied medical care, an 18-year-old high school senior, and a stage-three lung cancer patient unable to leave. Kim criticizes the Trump administration's immigration policies and the for-profit detention system. The article also notes that Representative LaMonica McIver faces federal charges for allegedly assaulting an ICE officer during a prior oversight visit, which she denies.
"site:nymag.com" - Google NewsSen. Andy Kim Calls Clashes Outside New Jersey ICE Facility 'One of the Most Difficult Weeks'
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) described the past week of clashes between law enforcement and protesters outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, as 'one of the most difficult' of his life. Kim met with demonstrators who were protesting conditions inside the facility and showing solidarity with detained migrants. The protests escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, highlighting ongoing tensions over U.S. immigration detention policies. Kim's remarks underscore the emotional and political toll of the situation, as he engaged directly with both protesters and officials to address the crisis.
Just In NewsAndy Kim Responds to Markwayne Mullin Over ICE Facility Protest Criticism
Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey fired back at Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin after Mullin criticized Kim for attending a protest outside a migrant detention facility in New Jersey. During a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mullin accused Kim of complaining about being hit by pepper ball spray during the protest. Kim defended his actions, emphasizing that the protest was about broader issues and not about him personally. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and detention policies.
Just In NewsDHS Secretary Says Democratic Senator Deserved to Get Pepper-Sprayed
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed Democratic Senator Andy Kim for being pepper-sprayed by federal law enforcement during a protest outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. The protest supported a hunger strike by nearly 300 detainees demanding better conditions, including adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. Mullin dismissed the hunger strike, claiming detainees were refusing to eat because they wanted 'ethnic food,' and stated they could 'go back to their country.' Senator Kim, who visited the facility, reported filthy bathrooms, lack of hot water, and overcrowded rooms. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed the hunger strike and threatened force-feeding. Attorneys and detainees described brutal conditions, including spoiled food with worms, sleeping on floors, and extreme cold.
The New RepublicDHS Secretary Says Democratic Senator Deserved to Get Pepper-Sprayed
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed New Jersey Senator Andy Kim for being pepper-sprayed by federal law enforcement during a protest outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. The protest supported detainees on hunger strike over inhumane conditions. Mullin dismissed the hunger strike, claiming detainees only wanted 'ethnic food' and said they could 'go back to their country.' Detainees and their attorneys allege spoiled food with worms, overcrowded cells, cold showers, and lack of medical care. Senator Kim reported filthy bathrooms and 12-16 people per room. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed the hunger strike and threatened force-feeding. The article also reports on the firing of a 60 Minutes journalist who refused to sanitize reporting on deportations to El Salvador.
The New RepublicDHS Secretary Says Democratic Senator Deserved to Get Pepper-Sprayed
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed Democratic Senator Andy Kim for being pepper-sprayed by federal law enforcement during a protest outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. The protest supported detainees on hunger strike over inhumane conditions. Mullin dismissed the hunger strike, claiming detainees were refusing 'ethnic food' and said they could 'go back to their country.' Senator Kim reported filthy bathrooms, lack of hot water, and overcrowding. Attorney Selenia Destefani described brutal conditions including spoiled food with worms. Border czar Tom Homan confirmed the hunger strike and threatened force-feeding. The incident highlights escalating tensions between the Trump administration and critics of immigration detention policies.
The New RepublicUS Senator Andy Kim Gassed by ICE at Newark Immigration 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 transparency. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who did gain access, was caught in tear gas and pepper spray fired by ICE agents from an armored vehicle. Tensions escalated after ICE moved hunger strike leader Martin Soto to another facility, allegedly as punishment. Lawmakers 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, with nearly 50 ICE detainees having died since his return to office.
TheWeek feedICE Agents Pepper-Spray Democratic Senator Andy Kim at Newark Immigration Detention Center Protest
Democratic Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed along with dozens of protesters outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on Monday. Kim had visited the facility to investigate reports of a hunger strike over poor conditions. After leaving, he attempted to de-escalate tensions between protesters and ICE agents, who planned to push vehicles through a human chain. Kim said agents then shot pepper balls and used pepper spray, requiring a medic to wash his eyes. The Department of Homeland Security denied the hunger strike and poor conditions, calling the protesters 'agitators' and the event a 'political stunt.' Kim disputed this, citing conversations with detainees including a pregnant woman denied OBGYN care, a woman who had a miscarriage without medical support, and an 18-year-old separated from her mother.
The New RepublicICE Agents Pepper-Spray Democratic Senator Andy Kim at Newark Immigration Protest
Democratic Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, on Monday while attempting to de-escalate tensions between protesters and law enforcement. Kim had visited the immigration detention center to investigate reports of a hunger strike over poor conditions. After leaving, he tried to intervene as ICE planned to push vehicles through a human chain formed by protesters. Agents then used pepper spray and pepper balls, requiring a medic to wash Kim's eyes. The Department of Homeland Security denied the hunger strike and poor conditions, calling the protesters 'agitators' and the event a 'political stunt.' Kim disputed this, citing conversations with detainees including a pregnant woman denied OBGYN care and a woman who suffered a miscarriage without medical support.
The New RepublicICE Agents Pepper-Spray Democratic Senator Andy Kim at Newark Detention Center Protest
On Monday, Democratic Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by ICE agents outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, while attempting to de-escalate tensions between protesters and law enforcement. Kim had visited the facility to investigate reports of a hunger strike over poor conditions. After leaving, he tried to mediate when ICE planned to push vehicles through a human chain formed by protesters. Agents then deployed pepper balls and spray, requiring a medic to wash Kim's eyes. The Department of Homeland Security denied the hunger strike and poor conditions, calling the protesters 'agitators' and the event a 'political stunt.' Kim disputed this, citing conversations with detainees about inhumane conditions, including a pregnant woman denied OBGYN care and a woman who had a miscarriage without medical support.
The New RepublicSenator Andy Kim Pepper-Sprayed at ICE Detention Facility Protest in New Jersey
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) was pepper-sprayed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on Monday during a protest outside an immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Videos circulating online show mutual aid volunteers pouring water into Kim's eyes as he holds an ice pack. One video captures Kim speaking directly to ICE officers. The incident occurred as demonstrators gathered to protest immigration enforcement policies. The event highlights ongoing tensions between lawmakers and federal immigration authorities over detention practices.
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