Newark mayor imposes curfew around immigration detention center after clashes

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has imposed an overnight curfew around the Delaney Hall immigration detention center following several nights of intense clashes between protesters and police. The curfew, effective from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily, covers a half-mile radius around the facility and will remain in place indefinitely to ensure public safety. This decision comes after demonstrations escalated, involving reports of projectiles, burning tires, and multiple arrests, some for weapons possession.

The protests at Delaney Hall, which is operated by the private GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, began earlier in May when detainees launched a hunger strike. They cited poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and other concerns. New Jersey State Police took over public safety operations from federal agents on May 29 to help de-escalate the situation and establish designated protest areas.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for calm, advocating for improved conditions for detainees and the eventual closure of Delaney Hall. She also announced the partial resumption of family visitation at the facility, which had been suspended amidst the unrest. The facility has been a focal point of opposition to federal immigration policies since its reopening for immigration detainees in February 2025.