ICE agents and protesters clash outside Delaney Hall in Newark
The protest group includes advocates and family members of the people inside. They are protesting a lack of information on visiting hours and the conditions inside.
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There was a large gathering outside Newark’s Delaney Hall Thursday evening. The location is a privately run immigration detention facility.
When News 12 first arrived at Delaney Hall, police were already leaving the scene. But around 9 p.m., more police arrived. There are dozens of people gathering and protesting every time vehicles with flashing lights attempt to enter Delaney Hall.
Thursday's coverage
The last time, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had to shove some people away to clear an entrance for the vehicles.
Increased security measures are in place today, including concrete barriers and additional no trespassing signs, blocking off the parking lot where people typically gather outside.
RELATED: Rep. McIver indicted on federal charges from skirmish at Newark immigration center
The protest group includes advocates and family members of the people inside. They are protesting a lack of information on visiting hours and the conditions inside.
Advocates told News 12 that they were outside Delaney Hall for a nightly vigil and were speaking to visiting family members. They said they were told that visiting hours were over. That is when they say they heard popping sounds and felt an irritant in the air.
“There were about 45 people in line, waiting to go inside to visit their family members. We heard a popping noise, and then almost immediately, everyone started choking and coughing and sneezing. It was intense, and just immediately, everyone in line did,” says Mary Rizzo, of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Mayor Ras Baraka and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver released statements regarding the chaotic scene last night at Newark's Delaney Hall.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka releasing the following statement:
"We are concerned about reports of what has transpired at Delaney Hall this evening, ranging from withholding food and poor treatment, to uprising and escaped detainees. This entire situation lacks sufficient oversight of every basic detail — including local zoning laws and fundamental constitutional rights. This is why city officials and our congressional delegation need to be allowed entry to observe and monitor, any why private prisons pose a very real problem to our state and its constitution. We demand immediate answers and clear communication with the GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security. We must put an end to this chaos and not allow this operation to continue unchecked."
Congresswoman LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) said in a statement:
“I am carefully monitoring the situation unfolding at Delaney Hall, and am in contact with local and state law enforcement and officials. I have serious concerns about the reports of abusive circumstances at the facility. Even now, as we are hearing reports from news organizations and advocates on the ground about a lack of food and basic rights for those inside, the administration appears to be stonewalling efforts to learn the truth. My office has reached out to ICE for answers. ICE has not yet provided them.”
