N.J. Gov. Blocked From Entering ICE Detention Center
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill was denied entry Monday to an ICE detention center amid protests and a hunger strike by detainees alleging mistreatment.
Sherrill, a Democrat, sought access to the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, a 1,000-bed privately run site that opened May 1, 2025, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to expand detention capacity amid its crackdown on illegal aliens.
“My request for access to Delaney Hall was formally denied this morning, raising serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view,” Sherrill said. She added she has long opposed private detention facilities and will continue pushing for the closure of Delaney Hall and opposing any expansion of mass detention in New Jersey, including a proposed facility in Roxbury.
She said she came to hear from families and advocates and described what she heard as heartbreaking, adding she will continue to hold ICE accountable. She thanked the federal delegation, including Sen. Andy Kim and Reps. Robert Menendez, Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver, and Analilia Mejia.
Protests have been ongoing since Friday, when organizer Gabriela Soto arrived at the facility at the start of a hunger and work strike led by detainees. About 300 detainees are participating, protesting conditions and calling for the release of older detainees, younger detainees, and those with health concerns.
“The people inside Delaney Hall are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and members of our community,” Sherrill said. “In New Jersey, we believe in the rule of law and that everyone deserves basic dignity. We have a duty to safeguard the rights, health, and well-being of everyone within our borders.”
A large group of anti-ICE protesters showed up today as well.
DHS spokesperson Christine Cuttita said that the visit was “nothing more than a political stunt on Memorial Day,” noting visitation is suspended due to what she called riots outside the facility. She also said “agitators” surrounded the center Sunday, blocking entrances and exits.
Cuttita added detainees receive three meals daily, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and toiletries, with access to phones to contact family and lawyers, and meals evaluated by certified dietitians. She said they also have medical, dental, and mental health services as available, plus access to appointments and 24-hour emergency care.
