NEWARK, N.J. – Following a week of protests and security incidents, family visitation has been partially restored at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center, according to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The resumption of visits in select units comes after a period of disruption caused by a detainee hunger and labor strike, which led to demonstrations and clashes with law enforcement.

Families of detained immigrants experienced confusion regarding visitation eligibility following the announcement, highlighting the logistical challenges of managing a complex detention environment. Local officials have implemented a nightly curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in the vicinity of Delaney Hall, aimed at maintaining order and preventing further disturbances. The curfew reflects the need to balance the rights of protesters with the safety and security of the community.

Visitation had been temporarily suspended due to the detainees' hunger and labor strike, which disrupted facility operations and raised security concerns. Facility staff confirmed that visitation resumed in units 1 and 3, beginning at approximately noon and 2 p.m. local time, respectively. Unit 1 houses female detainees. The status of visitation for Unit 2, where the majority of hunger-striking detainees are located, remains uncertain, suggesting ongoing security considerations.

Requests for comment from Governor Sherrill's office and GEO Group, the private prison company managing Delaney Hall, went unanswered. Police have established a security perimeter around Delaney Hall, limiting access to authorized personnel and visiting families. The security measures are intended to prevent further disruptions and ensure the safety of detainees, staff, and the surrounding community.

The governor's announcement followed a night of clashes between protesters and local law enforcement outside the detention center. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka subsequently activated a curfew for the area surrounding Delaney Hall, citing the need to maintain public order. Baraka's office emphasized that individuals violating the curfew would face arrest or legal action, underscoring the importance of respecting law enforcement authority.

State officials reported three arrests on Saturday night due to confrontations with police. According to authorities, the arrests occurred after a group of protesters allegedly attacked police officers and a barrier. The Delaney Hall protests highlight the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement policies and the need for secure and orderly detention facilities.