Protests outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark turned violent this week amid conflicting reports of a hunger strike by detainees. Federal officials denied the strike while lawmakers called for the facility's closure over conditions.
Dozens of protesters clashed with federal agents on May 28 and 29, leading to at least 15 arrests for assaults including biting, kicking, and punching officers. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said state police were not allowed to assist and that nine rioters were arrested overnight on May 28. One agitator threatened an ICE agent's family in a recorded video, prompting federal authorities to seek the individual for prosecution under laws carrying up to 10 years in prison.
