Curfew Enforced at Newark ICE Facility as Protests Over Detainee Treatment Continue

NEWARK, New Jersey — A state-imposed overnight curfew took effect Monday around the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility, prohibiting public presence within a half-mile radius amid ongoing protests over alleged mistreatment of migrants. Despite the restriction, demonstrators remained gathered outside the facility as tensions continued.

The curfew follows weekend clashes between protesters, federal authorities, and local police. Demonstrators employed barriers as projectiles, fashioned makeshift shields from traffic cones to deflect mounted police, and set tires ablaze. New Jersey police reported only three arrests Saturday night, though confrontations turned physical as demonstrators voiced outrage over reported deplorable conditions inside the facility.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries visited the detention center Monday alongside several New Jersey members of Congress. Jeffries described conditions inside as “shocking to the conscience” and stated that none of the detainees he spoke with had criminal records. In response, Homeland Security emphasized that the facility is a detention center and does not provide “luxury accommodations.” ICE has separately shared information about detainees facing criminal charges, including assault and drug distribution.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called for the closure of Delaney Hall, stating that removing the facility would help end the violent clashes marking the weekend. “Violent, chaotic clashes hurt everyone. They put the lives of both protesters and law enforcement in danger,” Sherrill said. She noted she has long advocated against operating the facility and acknowledged that while protesters are drawing attention to legitimate concerns about conditions, violence undermines that message. Sherrill is calling for state officials to be granted access to inspect the facility.

Some protesters argued that the arrival of state police escalated tensions. “I think the escalation happened when the state police came in,” one demonstrator stated. Crowd sentiment remained sharply divided, with individuals expressing deeply held convictions on both sides of the immigration enforcement debate.

The curfew aims to prevent further injuries or arrests, though anti-ICE protesters continue to demand the facility’s complete closure. As night fell, the situation remained volatile but monitored, with authorities and demonstrators alike preparing for another tense evening in Newark.