Protesters clash with ICE agents amid hunger strike at Delaney Hall in Newark
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Hundreds of detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark have been staging a hunger strike since Friday, alleging inhumane conditions in the ICE facility.
Outside, their supporters stand opposed to a line of ICE agents. Protestors have clashed with ICE agents over the last few days, and three people have been arrested.
"They're given rotten frozen food, or in the case of last week, they found live worms in their food, we're also hearing of people being denied toilet paper," activist Catalina Adorno explained why she arrived to stand in support of detainees.
Demonstrators posted barriers outside the detention center, using their bodies to block federal vehicles that they believe could be transferring detainees.
Protestors were told to move back by federal officers as they were pepper sprayed.
In response to the protests, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Trump administration is considering travel restrictions in sanctuary cities where local police don't cooperate with immigration enforcement.
On Monday, Gov. Mikie Sherrill was turned away from entering Delaney Hall.
Sherrill called for accountability from ICE, but Mullin called it a political stunt.
Sen. Andy Kim was hit with pepper spray Monday as he says he was trying to de-escalate a confrontation moments after he concluded a congressional oversight visit inside Delaney Hall.
"My throat's burning. My eyes are burning. But again it's not about me ... Several (detainees) have told me that they are being threatened with retaliation, saying that if you continue with this protest we will transfer you, we will cut off visitation rights with family," Kim said.
DHS leadership denies inhumane conditions inside Delaney Hall.
Delaney Hall is a privately-run facility with 1,000 beds. There are about 300 detainees inside, and they have tablets to communicate with the outside.
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