New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill sharply criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement on Saturday, May 30, saying the presence of federal ICE agents has made a tense situation outside a Newark detention center even more dangerous.
Sherrill announced that state police would set up a protected protest zone near Delaney Hall, a privately run federal immigration facility operated by the GEO Group.
The move came after days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement that included arrests, pepper spray, and reports of violence.
“Let me be clear: ICE engagement creates an incredibly dangerous situation,” Sherrill said. “It makes the situation worse, and I refuse to back down in fighting the Trump administration.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill Vows to Limit ICE Operations
She added that her administration will not give ICE any pretext to expand operations in New Jersey.
“I will not give ICE the pretext to expand operations in our state,” she said. “For that reason, New Jersey law enforcement is establishing a peaceful, protected protest zone in the area right outside Delaney Hall.”
The unrest started after hundreds of detainees inside Delaney Hall launched a hunger strike and work stoppage.
Detainees and their lawyers complained about spoiled food, overcrowding, poor medical care, lack of air conditioning, and other bad conditions.
Federal officials have pushed back on those claims, calling some of the protests political theater.
Protests grew outside the facility as family members and immigrant rights groups demanded better treatment and the release of detainees.
Tensions boiled over into repeated confrontations as angry protesters faced off against ICE agents in riot gear.
Also Read: New Jersey Governor Speaks as Two Americans Are Isolated Over Hantavirus Fear
State police also got involved. Witnesses reported kicks, punches, tear gas, and pepper spray. Several people were arrested.
Sherrill pointed out out-of-state agitators as part of the problem. “We know that people from outside the state have been interfering in the protest and escalating it,” she said. “To the people coming from out of state to create chaos and dangerous situations: You should not be here.”
The governor has also called for the facility to be shut down. She said the state Department of Health was denied full access for an inspection, which raised serious questions about what was happening inside. Sherrill visited the site earlier and tried to get in but was turned away.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and other local leaders have joined the calls for more transparency and accountability at Delaney Hall.
Immigrant advocates say the problems reflect major issues with private detention centers under the current administration’s push for tougher enforcement.
Also Read: Trump’s 1 Million Deportation Plan Sparks Explosive Clash Inside DHS
The Trump administration has defended ICE operations, with officials saying agents are simply doing their job by holding people who are in the country illegally and face deportation.
They argue that protests have been organized and sometimes violent, forcing agents to respond to keep order and protect staff.
State police moved in Friday night to disperse crowds after more scuffles. Sherrill later defended their use of force while still blaming federal involvement for escalating the situation.
Demonstrations were expected to continue into the weekend, with both anti-ICE protesters and counter-demonstrators planning to show up.
Since taking office again, President Trump has ramped up deportations and cracked down on sanctuary policies.
Blue-state leaders like Sherrill have been pushing back, limiting cooperation with federal detainers and protecting local protests.
Critics and Supporters Clash Over ICE Role in Newark Unrest
On social media, Gov. Sherrill’s critics say she is playing politics and prioritizing activists over public safety and the rule of law. They argue that blocking ICE from doing its work only invites more chaos.
Her supporters say she is standing up for humane treatment and New Jersey values against a heavy-handed federal approach.
As of Saturday, the hunger strike inside Delaney Hall continued, though the exact number of participants was unclear.
Sherrill said she wants to prevent any further escalation and protect public safety for everyone involved.
New Jersey state police are now in charge of keeping the peace in the streets around the detention center.
