President Donald Trump dismissed protesters outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark as “fake” and “paid for” as demonstrations continued and Democratic lawmakers increased pressure over conditions inside the facility.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting Wednesday, Trump defended the federal government’s detention operations and rejected criticism from protesters and detainee advocates.
“These aren’t protesters; these people are fake, they’re all paid for,” Trump said. “We run the finest facilities anywhere in the world of their type.”
The remarks came after several days of protests outside Delaney Hall, where detainees, relatives and advocacy groups have alleged overcrowding, poor conditions and inadequate medical care.
TRENDING TODAY
Sen. Andy Kim said some detainees had launched a hunger strike, adding to scrutiny of the facility.
The controversy escalated as Democratic Reps. Daniel Goldman and Jerrold Nadler were escorted inside Delaney Hall amid growing calls for oversight.
Protests outside the facility began Friday and continued through the week.
At times, demonstrations turned chaotic as protesters clashed with ICE agents and attempted to block vehicles from entering or leaving the detention center.
Video from the scene showed federal officers removing protesters from the entrance area, including one protester being thrown to the ground and another dragged away.
Officers also used crowd-control measures during confrontations outside the facility.
Department of Homeland Security officials have defended operations at Delaney Hall and argued that access restrictions were necessary because of security concerns outside the building.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin dismissed complaints about conditions inside the facility, saying the detention center “isn’t Holiday Inn.”
Democratic lawmakers and immigration advocates say the facility still requires closer scrutiny, particularly after detainees and family members raised concerns about food, medical care and treatment.
Federal officials, however, have accused protesters of obstructing operations and creating unsafe conditions around the facility.
The standoff has turned Delaney Hall into a national flashpoint in the broader fight over immigration enforcement, detention conditions and anti-ICE activism.
For Trump, the protests are being framed as politically motivated and illegitimate.
For critics, the clashes show why greater transparency and oversight are needed inside ICE detention centers.
Why It Matters
The Delaney Hall dispute is becoming a national immigration flashpoint. Trump’s claim that protesters are “paid” adds another layer of political conflict, while Democratic lawmakers are using the controversy to demand more oversight of ICE detention conditions.
What Comes Next
Federal officials are expected to maintain security around Delaney Hall as protests continue. Democratic lawmakers may push for additional inspections, while DHS is likely to keep defending the facility and accusing protesters of disrupting operations.
🚨 NOW: President Trump CALLS OUT the rioters at Delaney Hall ICE in NJ as PAID
“It’s all paid for protesters. You know, you can see by the signs. The signs are all made by the same beautiful factory! In fact, I’m thinking about using it!”
“These aren’t protesters. These people… pic.twitter.com/Dw5XdmUDcT
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 27, 2026
