Hundreds of ICE detainees launch hunger and labor strike at Delaney Hall

Source: Jersey Vindicator

Detainees are calling on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to visit the detention center and investigate conditions there

By Krystal Knapp May 23, 2026

About 300 detainees at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark launched a hunger and labor strike Friday, alleging inhumane conditions inside the privately operated facility and demanding a meeting with Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

Family members and immigrant advocates gathered outside the Doremus Avenue detention center as detainees announced that they are refusing meals and stopped participating in the facility’s work program, where detainees can earn about $1 per day for jobs inside the jail.

During the rally, detainees used phones to speak with relatives and supporters outside.

Advocates said the strike was launched to protest conditions inside the facility and demand a broader investigation into operations at Delaney Hall.


A man stands inside a prison cell at the Delaney Hall detention center for migrants in Newark, N.J., Sept. 18, 2025 while awaiting immigration proceedings. The facility has faced protests and scrutiny over detention conditions and the treatment of detainees.



Read more: https://jerseyvindicator.org/2026/05/23/hundreds-of-ice-detainees-launch-hunger-and-labor-strike-at-delaney-hall/