Full Breakdown
New Jersey Curfew and Police Tactics at Delaney Hall Raise Press-Freedom Concerns
6/3/2026, 11:02:59 PM
Core Event
On June 1, 2026, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka set a 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew within a half-mile of the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. State police on horseback formed a kettle, ordered journalists to leave, and detained two credentialed photojournalists. Arrest counts range from 20-25 to over 46.
Background & Timeline
Detained immigrants began a hunger-and-labor strike on May 22 over alleged unsanitary conditions. Clashes with ICE occurred May 28-30. Governor Mikie Sherrill deployed state police on May 31, citing a need to “lower the temperature.” The curfew and police actions persisted through June 1.
Data & Impact
The 1,000-bed facility holds about 300 striking detainees. Arrest counts vary (20-25, 46, 15). The NPPA reports at least two journalists were taken into custody.
Official Statements & Criticism
Gov. Sherrill said curfew and police were needed for safety and to prevent ICE expansion. AG Davenport said arrested protesters wore helmets, shields or gas masks. Mayor Baraka called curfew essential. ACLU of New Jersey called half-mile zone a “no-speech zone.” Freedom of Press Foundation warned that removing journalists “runs counter to whole idea of First Amendment protections.” Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey called police response a “clear and consistent violation of our First Amendment rights.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Video shows officers in riot gear and on horseback encircling the crowd; two credentialed photojournalists were escorted away. Protesters reported tear-gas, flash-bangs and rubber-bullet impacts; demonstrator Ian Austin said a rubber bullet hit his thigh.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Arrest totals differ (20-25, 46, 15) and officials dispute whether journalists were arrested. Accounts also conflict on whether state police or ICE first breached the barricade on May 30.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re still trying to figure out where they are, given that they’ve been off the street for well over 12 hours,” — Mickey H. Osterreicher, NPPA General Counsel
- “If you are press, you’ve got an opportunity right now, and that’s to leave,” — New Jersey State Police trooper
- “What’s happening outside Delaney Hall is a clear and consistent violation of our First Amendment rights and puts everyone in New Jersey at risk,” — Ben Dziobek, Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey
- “Sanctuary politicians are spreading categorically false smears about ICE's Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. These types of smears are inciting violent riots outside the ICE facility in New Jersey,” — Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, DHS
- “We are poorer as a society without the press being able to keep us informed,” — Adam Rose, Freedom of Press Foundation
What’s Next
The state and city have sued for full health-inspector access to Delaney Hall. Federal officials will testify before Congress on ICE funding. Family visitation, suspended during the curfew, has been partially restored, and the curfew stays in place pending review.
