Protesters clash with ICE agents outside Delaney Hall amid hunger strike
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Protesters clashed with ICE agents outside a controversial migrant detention center in New Jersey where a hunger strike is underway.
Demonstrators say agents used pepper spray and batons during the scuffle at Delaney Hall in Newark early Monday morning.
Congressman Rob Menendez Jr. remains at the facility and says he will stay there until he's able to observe the conditions for detainees.
On Saturday, Menendez and Senator Andy Kim visited the detention center to support detainees who are complaining that the food being served is spoiled.
Kim and Menendez say they are pushing for more than improved conditions, they are calling for the release of everyone being held at the facility.
"They talked about inhumane treatment. They talked about the poor food. They talked about the water tasting disgusting. I myself drank from the fountain," Sen. Kim said. "It's certainly problems that we need to make sure we're following up on."
Kim said he also met with several 18-year-old girls who would have been graduating high school if not for their arrests.
Governor Mikie Sherrill released a statement on Sunday saying:
"I'm deeply disturbed by reports of the poor conditions at Delaney Hall. Unsafe, inhumane, and unconstitutional living conditions are completely unacceptable.
"I have long opposed private detention facilities and advocated against them. I will continue to call for the closure of Delaney Hall because of reports like these.
"I have contacted ICE to gain access to the facility and my office remains in close coordination with our federal delegation and with advocates, and I commend their continued oversight and work to hold DHS accountable.
"I will continue working with our partners to closely monitor the situation and to do what's necessary to ensure humane conditions."
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