SouthernWorldwide.com – New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Senator Andy Kim, both Democrats, spent Memorial Day protesting at the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark. They met with families of detainees and community advocates, calling for the immediate closure of the facility due to alleged unacceptable conditions and an ongoing hunger strike by some detainees.
Senator Kim expressed his concerns on social media, stating, “We’re working together to make sure they’re heard and to speak out with them. Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately. ICE cannot be allowed to continue operating in this way.” Governor Sherrill echoed these sentiments, saying she was “deeply disturbed” by what she had heard about the conditions inside.
The Delaney Hall center, which was converted into an immigration detention facility last year, currently holds hundreds of individuals. Critics have raised serious allegations of squalid conditions and mistreatment of detainees by staff. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey has described the facility as “dangerous” and harmful to detainees and their loved ones.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson confirmed that Senator Kim was granted access to the facility for congressional oversight. However, the spokesperson also commented on Governor Sherrill’s presence, indicating a critical stance from the DHS regarding her appearance.
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This is not the first time the facility has been the site of protests. Last year, protesters, including congressional lawmakers and the mayor of Newark, clashed with authorities outside Delaney Hall. These demonstrations were reportedly in response to the alleged poor conditions and mistreatment of detainees.
During a previous protest in May 2025, U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was indicted on federal charges. She is accused of assaulting and impeding federal law enforcement officers during the incident, which allegedly occurred while she was attempting to prevent the arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
At that time, former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin had described some of the detainees at Delaney Hall as individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, including “murderers, terrorists, child rapists and MS-13 gang members.” She questioned the lawmakers’ continued advocacy for such individuals.
Despite the criticisms, the DHS maintains that detainees at Delaney Hall are provided with adequate care and resources. According to the agency, all detainees receive three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, and access to showers, soap, and toiletries. They also have access to phones to communicate with family and legal counsel.
The DHS further stated that certified dieticians evaluate the meals served. The agency claims that ICE detention standards are higher than those in most U.S. prisons that house American citizens. Comprehensive medical care, including medical, dental, and mental health services, is provided from the moment an individual enters ICE custody, along with 24-hour emergency care.
The DHS asserted that for many undocumented immigrants, the healthcare received while in ICE custody is the best they have experienced in their lives. This contrasts sharply with the allegations of poor conditions and mistreatment highlighted by the protesters and advocacy groups.
Governor Sherrill has consistently opposed private detention facilities and has been a vocal advocate for their closure. She reiterated her commitment to calling for Delaney Hall’s closure based on the ongoing reports and has been coordinating with the federal delegation and advocates to ensure accountability from the Department of Homeland Security.
Senator Kim and Representative Rob Menendez, also a Democrat from New Jersey, attempted to gain entry to Delaney Hall on Sunday but were denied access. The ongoing situation at the facility highlights the deep divisions and ongoing debate surrounding immigration detention policies and the conditions within these centers.
The protests and calls for closure underscore the concerns of civil liberties advocates and community members regarding the human rights and constitutional freedoms of detained individuals. The situation at Delaney Hall remains a focal point for these discussions in New Jersey.
