Newark Imposes Curfew at ICE Facility as Hunger Strike Enters Day 9, May 31

Violent clashes outside a Newark immigration detention center have forced local officials to impose a curfew and restrict access. Detained immigrants inside Delaney Hall have been on a nine-day hunger strike demanding improved conditions and medical care. The unrest reflects tensions between protesters, counterprotesters, and law enforcement over detention facility conditions.

Curfew and Street Closures Take Effect

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka ordered a mandatory overnight curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. within a half-mile radius of Delaney Hall on May 31. Doremus Avenue, which borders the facility, is closed to pedestrian traffic, with vehicle access limited to those with official business. Violators face removal and prosecution. The curfew follows Saturday night clashes where protesters threw projectiles, set fires, and attacked police barriers.

State Police Take Control From ICE

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced on May 29 that state police would assume policing duties outside the facility from federal ICE agents. State police established metal barriers and concrete blocks to create designated protest zones. ICE agents agreed to stand down and moved inside the facility’s perimeter fence. The move came after state police fired teargas and pepper balls at protesters on Friday night.

Hunger Strike Continues as Conditions Spark Oversight

Detained immigrants at the privately owned facility entered their ninth day of striking on May 30, demanding improved conditions, medical care, and faster case resolution. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries conducted an oversight visit on May 31 and reported witnessing unsanitary living conditions. Federal officials said family visitations were suspended due to violent riots outside the facility. Limited visitation resumed on May 31 at noon.

Dueling Protests and Political Reactions

On May 30, pro-ICE counterprotesters in Trump hats clashed with demonstrators supporting detained immigrants. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised Governor Sherrill’s response, calling it cooperation to restore law and order. Multiple arrests have been made, with some individuals found in possession of weapons. Trump officials said the area had been secured and the agency would not back down.

Final Thoughts

Newark’s curfew and state police takeover mark a shift in managing the detention center crisis. Family visits have resumed, but the underlying dispute over facility conditions remains unresolved as the hunger strike continues.

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