Protesters form barricades outside Newark immigrant center Monday after weekend of clashes

Key Points:

• Protests at Newark's Delaney Hall immigration detention center entered their third day, with demonstrators blocking vehicle access amid a hunger strike by around 300 detainees protesting poor conditions and lack of due process.
• Clashes over the weekend involved ICE agents using pepper spray, pepper balls, batons, and an armored vehicle against protesters, including local officials such as Sen. Andy Kim, who was exposed to pepper spray.
• Protesters reported detainees were denied access to phones and tablets, and conditions inside were described as violent and torturous, with detainees citing poor food, lack of healthcare, and restricted rights in an open letter.
• ICE transferred detainee Martin Soto to another facility despite protests and a court order restricting his transfer; lawmakers and advocates criticized the move and highlighted ongoing difficulties in accessing the detention center.
• DHS defended its response as necessary for safety and security, denying direct hits by pepper balls and citing suspended visitation as a security measure amid protests, while advocates continue to call for transparency and humane treatment.