Story perspectives

300 Detainees Hunger Strike; 17 Arrested at Newark ICE Center

5/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced protected protest zones outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials say least 17 protesters were arrested for assault, while demonstrators allege ICE agents initiated the violence.
300 detainees have staged a week-long hunger strike, citing abusive conditions, maggot-infested food, and poor medical care.
New Jersey State Police installed vehicle checkpoints and 600-yard bicycle-rack barriers to shield protesters outside the center.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 a 30-day hunger strike by about 200 detainees at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center prompted ICE to revise health policies and led DHS to earmark $2 million for upgrades. Subsequent actions—including a 500-woman hunger strike in 2015 and a 2025 lawsuit over conditions at CoreCivic’s California City facility—show a pattern of detainee unrest driving federal detention reforms.

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Story summary

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced protected protest zones outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials say least 17 protesters were arrested for assault, while demonstrators allege ICE agents initiated the violence.
300 detainees have staged a week-long hunger strike, citing abusive conditions, maggot-infested food, and poor medical care.
New Jersey State Police installed vehicle checkpoints and 600-yard bicycle-rack barriers to shield protesters outside the center.

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