By: Richard L. Smith
Another tense night took place Wednesday outside Newark’s Delaney Hall immigration detention facility as protesters and federal agents once again clashed during ongoing demonstrations over conditions inside the ICE-operated center.
Crowds gathered outside the Doremus Avenue facility throughout the evening, with protesters demanding better treatment for detainees and calling for the closure of the detention center.
Videos circulating online showed federal agents in riot gear pushing crowds back from gates and roadways while some demonstrators attempted to block entrances to the property.
Federal officials defended the actions of ICE officers, saying agents were responding to increasingly aggressive protests and attempts to interfere with operations at the facility.
Detainees inside Delaney Hall have alleged poor living conditions, including complaints about food, ventilation and medical care.
Those concerns have helped fuel a hunger strike and several days of demonstrations outside the center.
Federal authorities have pushed back against the accusations.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended ICE operations this week, while President Donald Trump reportedly described some demonstrators as “paid” agitators during comments on the growing unrest.
The protests have now stretched several days and have drawn national attention after New Jersey Senator Andy Kim said he was affected by pepper spray during earlier confrontations while attempting to calm tensions between demonstrators and federal agents.
Governor Mikie Sherrill and several Democratic lawmakers have also demanded access to inspect the facility.
As of Thursday morning, tensions around Delaney Hall remain high with no clear sign the demonstrations will slow down anytime soon.