New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said violence that erupted during protests outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark was largely driven by individuals from outside the state, as tensions surrounding the facility continued to escalate.
Speaking after several days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement, Sherrill said five of the six people arrested during one round of disturbances were not New Jersey residents. She also pointed to the involvement of national extremist groups and outside agitators, whom she said were inflaming an already volatile situation.
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The unrest has centered on Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark operated by the private prison company GEO Group. Protesters have accused authorities of maintaining poor conditions inside the center and have demanded broader access for detainees’ families and advocates. Federal officials have rejected allegations of mistreatment, saying detainees receive adequate care, food and medical services.
In response to the growing tensions, state and local officials imposed a nightly curfew around the facility, established designated protest zones and deployed New Jersey State Police to separate opposing groups and maintain order.
Law enforcement officials reported that some protesters attempted to use fireworks, rocks, gas masks and other items during confrontations. Authorities said multiple arrests have been made over the past week as demonstrations continued outside the detention center.
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Sherrill emphasized that peaceful protest remains protected and said concerns about detainee welfare should remain at the center of public discussion. She has also criticized federal immigration authorities and called for efforts to reduce tensions around the facility.
The dispute comes amid a broader national debate over immigration enforcement and detention policies. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has separately called for legal action aimed at shutting down the facility, citing health and safety concerns following days of protests and confrontations.