Protests outside a federal immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey have continued despite a newly imposed nightly curfew, as tensions escalate between demonstrators and law enforcement over alleged conditions inside the facility.
The unrest is centered around the Delaney Hall detention center in the city of Newark, where crowds have gathered for days calling attention to claims of poor treatment of detainees. The situation intensified over the weekend, leading to arrests, curfew enforcement, and a heavy police presence.
Authorities confirmed that several protesters were arrested after refusing to leave the area once the 9 p.m. curfew took effect. Officials said some individuals were carrying protective gear such as helmets and gas masks and ignored repeated police instructions to disperse.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said those arrested were part of a group that deliberately refused to comply with lawful orders. She said law enforcement responded after the situation escalated outside the facility.
Video from the scene showed officers in riot gear forming lines and pushing crowds back from restricted areas. Mounted police and state officers were deployed to control movement near the detention center, while some protesters were detained during the operation.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka introduced the curfew following repeated clashes between protesters and police. The order restricts gatherings near the facility from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice. Officials said the measure was necessary to reduce escalating tensions and protect public safety.
The protests are focused on the Delaney Hall detention center, a privately operated 1,000-bed facility that has faced repeated allegations of poor conditions. Lawyers representing detainees have claimed issues such as spoiled food and inadequate living standards. Federal authorities have denied claims of a hunger strike and rejected allegations of mistreatment.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said some visitation rights were restored at the facility after discussions with federal officials. She also stated that limited family visits resumed on Sunday, with normal visiting hours expected to return the following day.
Sherrill has acknowledged that parts of the protest turned violent, saying some individuals engaged in dangerous behavior that put both police and peaceful demonstrators at risk. She said some protesters threw objects, used barriers as weapons, and ignited fires in the street during Saturday’s clashes.
Law enforcement officials reported that tear gas and crowd-control tactics were used as the situation escalated. Video footage showed mounted officers advancing into crowds as tensions rose during the weekend demonstrations.
State officials said some individuals involved in the protests were linked to outside groups, although no specific organizations were identified. Authorities also said the majority of demonstrators remained peaceful despite isolated violent incidents.
Officials confirmed that six people were arrested during Friday night’s protests, while additional arrests were made earlier in the week. Charges included disorderly conduct, obstruction, and endangering public safety.
In response to the escalating situation, New Jersey State Police took over public safety operations outside the facility. The goal, officials said, was to separate protest zones from secured areas and reduce direct confrontation with federal immigration officers.
Authorities also established designated protest zones near the site to allow demonstrations to continue under controlled conditions. Officials said ICE personnel had moved away from the immediate protest area to reduce tensions.
Despite these measures, confrontations have continued, with both sides accusing each other of escalating the situation. Protesters say they are demanding better conditions and accountability inside the facility, while officials warn that violent behavior will not be tolerated.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the facility, rejecting allegations of widespread abuse. Officials said detainees receive meals, medical care, and legal protections, and warned that false claims are fueling unrest outside the center.
Members of Congress have also visited the site and raised concerns about living conditions, including sanitation and access to healthcare. They have called for continued oversight and transparency regarding operations inside the detention center.
Local officials have urged calm and asked protesters to remain within designated areas. They say maintaining order is essential while allowing lawful demonstrations to continue.
As the curfew remains in place, authorities are preparing for further demonstrations in the coming days. The situation remains fluid, with law enforcement maintaining a strong presence around the facility to prevent further clashes and ensure public safety.
