Over the holiday weekend, ICE agents pepper-sprayed protesters and N.J. senator Andy Kim in clash outside Delaney Hall in Newark.
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ICE agents pepper-sprayed protesters
Re: ICE agents pepper-sprayed protesters
The story (https://www.nj.com/news/2026/05/ice-age ... ewark.html): Federal agents deployed pepper balls and pepper spray outside Delaney Hall, a private ICE detention facility in Newark, NJ, on Monday following days of protests tied to a reported inmate hunger strike. Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) was among those affected, saying he stepped between agents and demonstrators before being struck in the hand and exposed to the irritant.
DHS said roughly 125 protesters formed human chains and barricades over the weekend, obstructed law enforcement from exiting the facility, and refused multiple verbal commands to clear the area. The agency stated no one was directly struck by pepper ball projectiles and that officers used the "minimum amount of force necessary." Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis called the demonstrations "a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians" and denied claims of a hunger strike or poor conditions, saying detainees have access to food, water, medical care, and communication with family and attorneys.
Kim, Gov. Mikie Sherrill, and Rep. Rob Menendez are calling for the facility's closure. Kim said he spoke with detainees describing inadequate medical care, including a pregnant woman and a woman who had a miscarriage.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) said protesters used concrete chunks and construction debris to block vehicle access and warned against physically interfering with federal agents. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin rejected the hunger strike and conditions claims on X, saying NJ Democrats "chose to spend their Memorial Day weekend smearing ICE law enforcement."
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DHS said roughly 125 protesters formed human chains and barricades over the weekend, obstructed law enforcement from exiting the facility, and refused multiple verbal commands to clear the area. The agency stated no one was directly struck by pepper ball projectiles and that officers used the "minimum amount of force necessary." Acting Assistant DHS Secretary Lauren Bis called the demonstrations "a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians" and denied claims of a hunger strike or poor conditions, saying detainees have access to food, water, medical care, and communication with family and attorneys.
Kim, Gov. Mikie Sherrill, and Rep. Rob Menendez are calling for the facility's closure. Kim said he spoke with detainees describing inadequate medical care, including a pregnant woman and a woman who had a miscarriage.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) said protesters used concrete chunks and construction debris to block vehicle access and warned against physically interfering with federal agents. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin rejected the hunger strike and conditions claims on X, saying NJ Democrats "chose to spend their Memorial Day weekend smearing ICE law enforcement."
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