Protesters and ICE agents clashed Monday at a migrant detention center in New Jersey amid escalating tensions. The demonstration occurred outside Delaney Hall, where detainees are currently engaged in a hunger strike.
Protesters alleged that immigration agents deployed pepper spray and batons against them during the clash. The group attempted to stop ICE from transferring Martin Soto, the individual who announced the strike, but officials stated that they were able to move him to the Elizabeth contract detention facility.
Immigrant advocates and Democratic members of Congress say that ICE is blocking families from accessing detainees during the days-long hunger strike. These events come as strikes in several ICE detention centers follow growing scrutiny into conditions at prison-like facilities.