NEWARK, N.J. (AP) 鈥� Protesters clashed with armed federal officers in front of a New Jersey detention center where advocates have while asserting that detainees are staging a hunger strike over poor living conditions.
Groups of demonstrators, and other face coverings, linked arms in a human chain in front of in Newark on Wednesday night, videos and photos posted on social media show.
Some used trash cans, old mattresses, umbrellas and other materials as makeshift shields and barricades as they confronted U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement officers. Others attempted to block people and vehicles from entering and exiting the building or threw orange traffic cones and other objects in the direction of the ICE officers lined at the entry gate.
The group chanted, 鈥淵ou will hang!鈥� and, 鈥淓very cop, every fed, shoot yourself in the head,” and other taunts at the officers, many of whom wore helmets and tactical vests.
The ICE officers used pepper spray to try and disperse the protesters, according to videos posted to social media. Some used their batons to beat and push back protesters as the officers attempted to clear the roadway for vehicles.
At least one truck driver got out of his vehicle to vent his frustration when some protesters tried to block vehicles driving on the road in front of the detention center. Detainees inside could at times be seen waving to protestors from Delaney Hall’s windows.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said about six demonstrators were arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers.
鈥淎ssaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement is a crime and felony,鈥� the agency said in a statement. 鈥淎nyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.鈥�
Earlier in the day, Democratic members of Congress from New York City as part of an oversight visit. A private prison company runs the detention center, which sits along an industrial stretch of Newark Bay.
Reps. Jerry Nadler, Daniel Goldman and Adriano Espaillat, who all represent Manhattan, described dire conditions where detainees are fed small portions of often spoiled food and their varied medical needs are ignored.
DHS spokespersons have denied any hunger strike, abuse or poor conditions inside the center and dismissed criticism from opponents as political posturing.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
