Tense protests have erupted outside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention centre near Newark, New Jersey, as reports emerge of a hunger strike by detainees and authorities face restricted access to the facility. The demonstrations underscore ongoing concerns about conditions within US immigration detention centres, particularly those involved in President Donald Trump’s push for mass deportations.

Delaney Hall, reopened in February 2025 after a period of closure, has become a focal point for criticism regarding the treatment of immigrants. Local officials have previously raised concerns about the facility’s repurposing without adequate permits. Critics have also alleged human rights abuses within its walls, contributing to the heightened tensions surrounding the current situation.

The latest protests were triggered by news of a hunger strike among detainees. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that health authorities were denied full access to inspect the facility, expressing concern that this refusal "raises serious questions about what ICE is trying to hide from public view." Governor Sherrill, elected last year, has publicly supported calls for the centre's closure.

On Wednesday night, the situation escalated as protesters attempted to block access to Delaney Hall, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Demonstrators formed human chains and erected makeshift barriers, with some reportedly wearing gas masks. According to the Department of Homeland Security, six individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting federal agents during the overnight confrontation.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement emphasizing that "assaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement is a crime and felony," and pledged prosecution for anyone engaging in such acts. However, some critics have questioned the charges brought against protesters, citing past incidents involving public figures.

Last year, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested during a protest for alleged trespassing, but the charges were subsequently dropped by the Trump administration. In a similar instance, a US Congress member present at the time faced assault charges, which she has characterized as "purely political."

Democratic lawmakers have increasingly visited Delaney Hall to conduct oversight and tour the facilities. Three US representatives recently inspected the centre and reported dire conditions, including instances of medical neglect and spoiled food. Another representative who previously visited the facility corroborated these accounts, describing "moldy food" and individuals requiring immediate medical attention.

These developments raise further questions about transparency and conditions within immigration detention facilities across the United States, particularly as the administration continues its efforts to increase deportations. The ongoing investigations and protests highlight a growing divide and demand for accountability from detention center operators and federal agencies.