Tensions escalated outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, after protesters clashed with ICE agents during demonstrations over alleged inhumane living conditions and a reported hunger strike among detainees.
According to NBC New York, the facility has become the center of days-long protests tied to claims of inhumane living conditions and reports of a hunger strike among detainees.
The confrontation intensified Sunday after some protesters allegedly threw water bottles at ICE agents, prompting officers to deploy pepper spray.
By early Monday morning, demonstrators were seen chanting, holding signs and kneeling in front of three vans attempting to leave Delaney Hall in an effort to stop possible detainee transfers.
Community activist Kyler Dineen told NBC New York, "I think it's very clear that people are willing to put themselves on the line to try to resist exactly everything that’s going on with this administration when it comes to immigration issues."
ICE personnel were seen wearing face coverings and carrying batons while standing near armored vehicles positioned outside the facility.
Advocates and protesters claimed detainees inside the facility had launched a hunger strike and work stoppage over conditions inside Delaney Hall.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said she was denied access to the facility despite attempting to inspect it personally.
The Department of Homeland Security rejected claims of mistreatment in a statement, saying detainees are provided with "wraparound medical care services," along with adequate meals, hygiene products and communication access while in custody.
