The Department of Homeland Security ripped New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill for claiming that she had solved a major issue behind the violent protests at the ICE detention center Delaney Hall in Newark Sunday.
Sherrill announced that visitation rights for the 1,000 migrants who are being held at the privately run facility — one of the grievances that had led to a prolonged hunger strike by some detainees and clashes between anti-ICE protesters and feds.
Instead, DHS officials claimed that visitation rights were restored after they were able to bring the violent protests under control — after he Shetrill and her allies fomented them.
On Saturday, tensions exploded between protesters and police, who were forced to deploy tear gas in response to the demonstrations devolving into riots.
“We did not cave to the Governor’s demands. Visitation was suspended because the violent riots outside the facility made it unsafe for our officers, detainee’s families and lawyers to visit the facility,” a DHS spokesperson said in a statement.
“With Delaney Hall secure, ICE operations continue as normal,” the spokesperson added. “To be clear: Visitation was only suspended because of violent riots. Now that we have a secure perimeter, visitation can resume.”
Anti-ICE protests had engulfed Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark since at least May 22.
Top Democratic officials, including Sherrill, raised concerns about conditions in the facility and the lack of visitation hours.
Sherrill and NJ Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez visited the facility on Memorial Day and made a big show of trying to gain access for an inspection.
They were denied entry, and clashes escalated after that.
“DHS has met our demand to restore family visitation. Starting today, limited visitation will resume at noon, and regular visitation hours will be restored beginning tomorrow,” Sherrill announced Sunday.
“I urge everyone who shares these goals to continue working together to lower the temperature and protest peacefully – so we can continue making progress for families and detainees while avoiding any ICE escalation that would only create more fear and uncertainty in our communities.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) visited the facility Sunday alongside New Jersey Reps. Menendez, LaMonica McIver and Josh Gottheimer.
“The conditions of confinement we witnessed firsthand and discussed with approximately two dozen detainees at the Delaney Hall detention center shock the conscience,” the four House Dems said in a statement.
“Immigration enforcement in this country should be fair, just and humane. The Trump administration is doing the exact opposite.”
