On May 30, 2026, anti-ICE demonstrators and New Jersey State Police clashed outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, after detainees began a hunger strike over alleged poor conditions. Police deployed riot shields and mounted units to disperse crowds that set fire to barricades, prompting Mayor Ras Baraka to impose a citywide curfew.

Mayor Ras Baraka's 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew around Delaney Hall

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced a curfew that runs from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. specifically around the detention center, citing safety concerns after protesters ignited tires and set barricades ablaze. The order remains in effect until furthr notice,and violations can result in fines or arrest. Baraka’s move mirrors similar emergency measures taken in other U.S. cities during large‑scale immigration protests.

Governor Mikie Sherrill condemns masked attackers and urges calm

Governor Mikie Sherrill described the night’s violence as “masked individuals attacking barriers, throwing projectiles, and setting tires on fire,” and called for calm while urging advocates to focus on improving detainee conditions and ultimately closing the facility. According to the report, Sherrill’s statement was broadcast on state television and shared on the governor’s official social media channels.

New Jersey State Police replace fedderal agents on Friday

New Jersey State Police took over security duties from federal agents on Friday, the day before the curfew was announced. The state troopers brought additional resources, including mounted units, to push back crowds and protect the perimeter of the 1,000‑bed Delaney Hall. As the report notes, the shift in jurisdiction underscores the escalating tension between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement.

Family visits to resume Sunday despite ongoing unrest

In a surprising development, the federal government announced that family visitation at Delaney Hall will resume on Sunday, even as protests continue. Officials say the decision aims to separate detainee welfare concerns from the broader political dispute, but critics argue it may be a token gesture that does not address the underlying grievances that sparked the hunger strike.

Who is behind the hunger strike and what are the demands?

The hunger strike began earlier in May, led by a coalition of detainees and outside advocacy groups who allege substandard living conditions, inadequate medical care, and prolonged detention without hearing. while the protestors have not disclosed a single spokesperson, the report cites statements from several unnamed detainees demanding an independent investigation and the eventual closure of the facility.

Unverified claims about the scale of property damage

The source reports that barricades were set on fire and tires ignited, but it does not provide an estimate of the total property damage or the number of arrests made. Additionally, the exact number of protesters involved remains unclear, leaving room for speculation about the protest’s size and organization.