Protests Continue Outside Newark ICE Facility as Governor Calls for Calm

Protests outside a privately operated ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey stretched into the weekend and past a newly imposed nightly curfew, as demonstrators continued to push back against what they say are inhumane conditions inside Delaney Hall.

New Jersey's attorney general addressed the public amid the unrest, saying the state is "especially committed right now to the steps necessary to ensure we do not see an ICE surge in New Jersey." State police were brought in to take over public safety operations outside the facility from ICE agents, and Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a designated "peaceful, protected protest zone" just outside the building. The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against the allegations of inhumane conditions.

Tensions rose further on Friday when the facility's private operator painted yellow lines on the sidewalk and posted "Private Property" and "No Trespassing" signs at the main entry points. After clashes between protesters and police Saturday night, officials enacted the nightly curfew.

On Sunday, Governor Sherrill called for calm, saying, "Last night we saw masked individuals attack the barrier, taking aggressive, dangerous actions against Newark and New Jersey State Police." Protesters, however, said their frustration isn't going away. "The conditions in there are horrible," one demonstrator said.