Delaney Hall

Conditions at a New Jersey ICE facility have sparked hunger strikes inside and six days of protests outside.

Protests began last Friday outside Delaney Hall after ~300 detainees launched a hunger and labor strike over case delays and “inhumane” conditions—citing rotten food, poor ventilation, and inadequate medical care. The 1,000-bed Newark ICE facility holds migrants of varying immigration statuses, including those detained during routine check-ins and green card interviews.

Nightly conflicts have broken out, with protesters throwing objects at agents and blocking traffic, and agents responding with batons, tasers, and pepper spray—including on Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), who was at the facility Monday trying to de-escalate. 

DHS denied the hunger strike, claimed conditions exceed U.S. prison standards, and called Democratic politicians’ visits—including Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), who has been denied entry—a “political stunt.”

__

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Culturally hot topics like these can affect people differently. Consider checking in on someone in your life who might have this story hit close to home—an immigrant or law enforcement officer in your church or neighborhood—and show them the love of Christ.

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 
John 13:34-35 (CSB) (read full passage)