Protests escalate at US ICE facility over alleged inhumane conditions; Senator pepper-sprayed

Protests intensified outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Newark, New Jersey, on Monday, May 25, sparked by a hunger strike initiated by approximately 300 detainees. Demonstrators and detainees allege inhumane conditions within the privately-run center, citing issues such as rotten food, inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and live worms found in meals. The protests escalated after reports that ICE attempted to transfer Martin Soto, a detainee who had organized the hunger strike.

During the escalating confrontation, Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey was reportedly pepper-sprayed by federal agents while attempting to de-escalate the situation. Senator Kim had previously entered the facility to observe conditions firsthand. Federal agents deployed pepper spray, pepper balls, and batons, also using an armored vehicle to clear a path as protesters formed human chains to block exits.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have refuted claims of substandard conditions, stating detainees receive proper meals, medical services, and access to communication. DHS characterized the protesters as "rioters" who obstructed law enforcement and stated that agents used the minimum necessary force, denying that anyone was directly hit by pepper ball projectiles. New Jersey officials, including Senator Kim and Governor Mikie Sherrill, are demanding the facility's closure.