New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism after attempting to enter a Newark immigrant detention facility during tense protests outside the site over Memorial Day weekend.
The confrontation happened at Delaney Hall, where anti-ICE demonstrators gathered outside while inmates inside the facility reportedly continued a hunger and labor strike for a fourth day.
Sherrill was denied access to the detention center Monday, even after several New Jersey Democratic officials, including Sen. Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez, had reportedly toured the facility over the weekend.
Video shared on social media showed Sherrill standing outside a locked gate topped with razor wire as protesters chanted, “Let Sherrill in!”
TRENDING TODAY
The Department of Homeland Security criticized the visit, calling it a political stunt during a volatile situation outside the facility.
A DHS spokesperson said visitation had been suspended because of unrest near the detention center. The agency claimed that around 125 protesters surrounded Delaney Hall, formed a human chain around entrances and blocked access points.
Footage from outside the facility showed demonstrators sitting in the roadway and facing off with federal agents while chanting anti-ICE slogans.
It was not immediately clear whether any arrests were made.
The incident adds to growing tensions between Democratic state leaders, federal immigration authorities and activists who oppose ICE detention operations.
Supporters of Sherrill’s visit say elected officials should be allowed to inspect detention conditions, especially during reports of inmate strikes and unrest. Critics argue the timing of the visit, during Memorial Day and amid active protests, turned the situation into a political spectacle.
Delaney Hall has become a flashpoint in the broader immigration debate as activists continue pushing for greater oversight of detention centers and an end to ICE enforcement practices they describe as abusive.
Federal officials, meanwhile, argue that anti-ICE demonstrations can interfere with facility operations and create safety risks for staff, detainees and law enforcement.
Why It Matters
The standoff reflects the larger national fight over immigration enforcement. Democratic officials are increasingly challenging ICE operations, while federal authorities say local political pressure and protests make detention center security more difficult.
What Comes Next
The situation remains developing. Officials are expected to face more questions about the inmate strike, protest activity outside the facility and whether state or federal leaders will seek further access to Delaney Hall.
Photos from outside Delaney Hall showed Gov. Mikie Sherrill near the Newark ICE facility as protesters gathered and federal agents secured the area.
NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill slammed for Memorial Day ‘stunt’ at Newark ICE facility as tense protests rage https://t.co/eaie1v5gw6 pic.twitter.com/rJdfWgTc8F
— New York Post (@nypost) May 25, 2026
