On May 27, 2026, activists gathered outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, to back inmates reportedly on a labor and hunger strike. The demonstration turned violent when some protesters assaulted ICE officers, prompting the use of pepper spray and batons and resulting in six arrests.

Violent Clash at Delaney Hall on May 27, 2026

Protesters erected makeshift barricades and shields, hurled objects, and shouted provocative slogans at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to the report. iCE offiecrs responded with pepper spray and batons, a response the Department of Homeland Security later described as necesary to restore order .

Manhattan Lawmakers Cite Food Shortages and Ignored Medical Needs

Representatives Jerry Nadler, Daniel Goldman, and Adriano Espaillat, speaking on behalf of Manhattan, alleged that detainees at Delaney Hall were suffering from inadequate food supplies and neglected medical care. They described the conditions as "dire" and called for immediate federal oversight, echoing long‑standing concerns about immigration detention standards.

DHS Denies Hunger Strike and Conditions Claims

Department of Homeland Security spokespersons countered the lawmakers’ statements, asserting there was no evidence of a hunger strike, abuse, or substandard living conditions at the facility.. The agency framed the accusations as "political posturing" and reiterated its commitment to prosecuting any unlawful actions by protesters.

Six Arrests Highlight Tension Between Protesters and ICE

Law enforcement officials arrested six individuals for assaulting officers during the May 27 confrontation... The arrests underscore the growing friction between activist groups demanding detainee rights and federal agencies tasked with enforcing immigration policy.

Who Verified the Detainees' Strike Claims?

The source does not identify any independent observers or medical professionals who have confirmed the alleged hunger strike, leaving a gap in verification. Additionally, the report provides no data on the number of detainees involved or the duration of the strike, points that remain unclear.