Newark, NJ — The political battle over Newark’s Delaney Hall ICE detention center intensified Sunday as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin accused Sen. Andy Kim of misrepresenting the population housed inside the facility, while New Jersey leaders continued calling for its closure following a weekend of protests that escalated into riots, fires, and clashes with police.
The exchange came as law enforcement agencies maintained an increased security presence around Delaney Hall after unrest prompted Newark officials to impose a curfew and state authorities reported attacks on police officers, damaged barriers, and fires set in the street.
Mullin Pushes Back Against Kim’s Criticism
The latest dispute began after Kim criticized Senate Republicans for supporting billions in additional funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection, arguing that private prison companies such as GEO Group stand to benefit from expanded detention operations.
In response, Mullin defended ICE’s mission and the role of facilities such as Delaney Hall.
“@SenatorAndyKim we are getting murderers, pedophiles, rapists, and gang members off of New Jersey streets,” Mullin wrote on social media.
“This is yet another example of defund the police Democrats putting criminal illegal aliens over the safety of American citizens.”
The comments highlighted the sharp divide between federal immigration officials and New Jersey Democrats over the purpose and future of Delaney Hall.
Riots Erupt Outside Detention Center
The political dispute unfolded against the backdrop of escalating unrest outside the facility.
According to New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, a large group of demonstrators moved beyond designated protest areas Saturday night and engaged in aggressive actions that included attacking barriers, charging officers, throwing projectiles, and setting fires.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka later imposed a nightly curfew around the facility, citing an escalating situation and public safety concerns.
Federal officials reported several arrests and said most of those taken into custody were not New Jersey residents.
Videos from the scene showed fires burning in the roadway, confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, and mounted New Jersey State Police units deployed to control crowds.
Witnesses and social media footage also appeared to show individuals confronting police horses, flashing lights toward the animals and attempting to interfere with mounted officers.
Key Points
• DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin accused Sen. Andy Kim of misrepresenting detainees held at Delaney Hall.
• Weekend protests outside the Newark ICE facility escalated into riots, fires, and clashes with police.
• Governor Mikie Sherrill continues to support closing Delaney Hall despite condemning the violence.
Delaney Hall’s Long History Fuels Current Debate
Delaney Hall has become one of the most controversial immigration detention facilities in the Northeast.
Located on Doremus Avenue in Newark, the facility first opened under federal immigration detention contracts during the Obama administration and was operated by the GEO Group.
For years, the center housed immigration detainees awaiting court proceedings or removal from the United States.
The facility later became the focus of legal and political battles after New Jersey attempted to restrict immigration detention contracts. Court challenges eventually allowed detention operations to continue, reigniting opposition from immigrant-rights groups and Democratic elected officials.
Supporters argue Delaney Hall provides necessary detention space for individuals accused or convicted of crimes and those facing immigration proceedings. Critics contend the facility should be permanently closed and have repeatedly raised concerns about detainee treatment and federal immigration enforcement policies.
Sherrill Continues Call for Closure
Despite condemning the violence that erupted during the weekend demonstrations, Governor Mikie Sherrill renewed her demand that Delaney Hall ultimately be shut down.
In a statement issued after the unrest, Sherrill said masked individuals endangered both peaceful protesters and police officers by throwing projectiles, using barriers as weapons, and lighting tires on fire.
At the same time, she urged supporters to remain focused on conditions inside the detention center and efforts to close it.
“We must focus on advocating for better conditions for the detainees, for their families, and ultimately, for the closure of Delaney Hall,” Sherrill said.
That position has drawn criticism from immigration enforcement supporters, who argue the facility houses individuals accused of serious crimes and plays a critical role in public safety.
National Immigration Debate Lands in Newark
The conflict surrounding Delaney Hall now reflects a broader national debate over immigration enforcement, detention policies, and public safety.
Federal officials continue to portray the facility as an important tool for removing criminal offenders from communities, while many New Jersey Democrats view it as a symbol of an immigration system they believe requires major reform.
As police continue securing the area and the curfew remains in effect, Delaney Hall remains at the center of both a public safety controversy and a growing political fight that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.