Family visitation has resumed at a federal immigration detention center in New Jersey after being temporarily suspended amid several days of protests, arrests, and confrontations outside the facility, state officials confirmed Sunday.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed to restore visits at the Delaney Hall Detention Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark that has recently become the center of escalating demonstrations.
Visitation Restored After DHS Decision
According to Sherrill, limited family visits resumed Sunday at midday, with full visiting hours expected to return the following day. Families were advised to contact the facility directly for scheduling updates.
The decision follows negotiations between state officials and federal authorities after DHS suspended visitation earlier in the week, citing safety concerns due to unrest outside the facility.
A DHS spokesperson said visits were paused because conditions around the detention center had become unsafe for staff, detainees, and visitors, but confirmed that operations would now resume following improved security.
Protests Over Conditions and Treatment of Detainees
The detention center has been the focus of ongoing protests by immigrant rights groups and local activists who have raised concerns about living conditions inside the facility.
Demonstrators have alleged inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and delays in immigration processing. Some detainees have reportedly participated in hunger strikes and work stoppages, according to advocacy groups.
DHS has denied claims of mistreatment.
Tensions Escalate Outside Facility
Over the past week, protests outside Delaney Hall have at times escalated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
State police established a security perimeter and designated protest zones to contain gatherings after multiple confrontations. Authorities reported that some protesters allegedly threw objects, blocked access points, and set fires, leading to arrests and dispersal operations.
Officials confirmed that at least three individuals were arrested during one of the more intense nights of demonstrations, including a suspect accused of carrying an illegal weapon.
Curfews and Security Measures Introduced
In response to the unrest, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka introduced a nighttime curfew around the facility to prevent further escalation.
By Sunday, the situation had largely stabilized, with a noticeable reduction in confrontations. However, a reinforced police presence remained in place, including barricades and checkpoints separating protesters from the detention center.
Authorities said the security perimeter is expected to remain for several more days as a precaution.
Demonstrators Continue to Demand Closure
Despite the restoration of visitation rights, protests continued outside the facility, with demonstrators chanting slogans calling for the closure of Delaney Hall and the removal of ICE from the area.
Some counterprotesters also gathered in support of law enforcement officers assigned to the facility.
Officials say they are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation while maintaining access for families and legal representatives.
Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
The incident highlights ongoing national tensions surrounding U.S. immigration enforcement and detention practices. Advocacy groups continue to call for reforms and greater transparency, while federal authorities maintain that detention facilities are operating under established legal standards.
For now, visits have resumed, but officials warn that the situation remains sensitive and could change depending on security conditions.
