Protesters outside a New Jersey migrant detention center, where a hunger strike is underway, have alleged that US immigration agents used pepper spray and batons against them during a demonstration on Monday. The protesters attempted to prevent ICE from transferring Martin Soto, the individual who announced the strike, but officials confirmed they successfully moved him to the Elizabeth contract detention facility.
Details of the Incident
According to ABC 7, the incident occurred early Monday morning outside Delaney Hall in Newark, which has been embroiled in an ongoing hunger strike. Demonstrators have been stationed outside Delaney Hall since Friday, with tensions escalating late Sunday when word spread that guards were preparing to move Soto. Soto had declared a hunger and work strike on Friday, demanding the immediate release of elderly and young detainees, as well as those with medical conditions, as reported by The City.
Wife's Account
Soto's wife, Gabriela, who is reportedly several months pregnant with their third child, has been organizing protests outside the facility. She told The City that while visiting on Sunday, she saw a man being pushed into a van. Rushing toward the vehicle, she banged on the door, refusing to let the transfer happen. Demonstrators gathered with Gabriela, blocking the entrance and shouting, "Free Martin! Free them all!"
ICE Response
At around 1am Monday, ICE agents blocked the roadway near Delaney Hall's back gate, reportedly to allow ICE vehicles to exit. According to Gothamist, demonstrators confronted the agents, and some tried to block the vehicles. ICE agents allegedly responded with force, pushing protesters onto sidewalks and into parked cars. At least one demonstrator was pepper-sprayed, and another sustained a leg injury.
Legal Intervention
Laura Herman, legal director of Make The Road New Jersey, stated that lawyers had communicated with the US attorney's office. The office claimed Soto would not be transferred Sunday due to a federal judge's order prohibiting his out-of-state transfer while his habeas petition is pending, as reported by The City.
Background of the Strike
The hunger and work strike began after some 300 detainees signed a letter alleging poor conditions and inadequate medical care at Delaney Hall. Gabriela Soto alleged that agents retaliated against Martin because of her advocacy, claiming he was held in a cell for eight hours on Friday and interrogated about her protest activities.
Official Statements
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the agents' actions, stating that approximately 125 agitators surrounded the facility on May 24, 2026, forming a human chain and setting up barricades. DHS claimed that Soto, an illegal alien charged with assault, was scheduled for transfer, but agitators obstructed the vehicle and caused significant damage. Later, ICE successfully dispersed about 70 agitators and transferred Soto to the Elizabeth facility. Visitation has been suspended for safety reasons.
GEO Group, which operates the facility, expressed pride in supporting ICE's mission and insisted detainees are properly cared for, with access to medical care, legal and family visitation, translation services, and other amenities.
Political Reaction
New Jersey Senator Andy Kim and Governor Mikie Sherrill visited the facility Monday morning to speak with detainees' relatives. Kim stated on X, "I'm back at Delaney Hall with @GovSherrillNJ and other members of the NJ delegation to meet with families of detainees and listen to community advocates... Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately. ICE cannot be allowed to continue operating in this way."
