Federal officials have announced the resumption of visitation at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, following protests that disrupted access and led to tensions outside the facility. The center, managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), temporarily suspended visiting hours last week amid growing unrest related to concerns over detainees' living conditions.

The suspension came amid escalating protests, which culminated in a second consecutive night of clashes on Saturday. During the confrontation, demonstrators threw projectiles, engaged in physical altercations over barricades, and set fires. Law enforcement officers from the New Jersey State Police and the Newark Police Department were deployed to secure the area and maintain order.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, addressed the situation at a news conference on Sunday. She condemned the violent and disorderly conduct, noting that three individuals were arrested during the Saturday night incidents. Sherrill emphasized that the confrontations endangered both protesters and law enforcement personnel and detracted attention from the detainees and their families.

“I refuse to give ICE an excuse to surge into our communities,” Sherrill stated, underscoring her call for calm ahead of the violent episode. Prior to Saturday’s clashes, she had encouraged demonstrators to de-escalate tensions and “bring the temperature down.”

The protests at Delaney Hall have drawn attention to ongoing criticisms regarding the treatment and conditions of individuals held within immigration detention facilities. The resumption of visitation aims to restore contact between detainees and their families while efforts continue to address the underlying concerns fueling public outcry. Law enforcement officials will maintain a visible presence in the area to prevent further disruptions.