New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced Friday that state police will take over public safety operations outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, replacing federal immigration officers.
The move comes amid escalating demonstrations and an increased federal presence at the site.
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Activists have gathered outside the privately run facility to support more than 300 detained immigrants who launched a hunger and labor strike last week.
Protesters Demand Better Conditions
The detainees are demanding improved medical care, better food, and legal due process. A participant in the hunger strike stated, "We are not criminals.
We are people who enter with a clean record. We pay our taxes.
Fathers. Mothers.
Spouses of citizens with existing petitions."
State authorities plan to establish a peaceful protected zone for demonstrators following days of violent clashes between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.
The federal government has deployed Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents to protect the facility and investigate alleged assaults against ICE personnel.
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Federal agents from other entities, including the FBI, are also reportedly traveling to the location.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the escalation of federal legal actions stemming from the demonstrations on Friday afternoon.
A DHS spokesperson said, "This is a win for law and order.
After days of Governor Sherrill REFUSING to allow State Police to assist ICE law enforcement against violent anti-ICE rioters, she is now allowing the New Jersey State Police to cooperate with us."
The federal statement highlighted political friction surrounding the enforcement transition. The FBI declined to comment.
The hunger strike inside the facility, operated by private prison firm GEO Group, has drawn significant public attention despite conflicting narratives from federal authorities regarding the existence of the protest.
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State officials are also setting up vehicle checkpoints around the industrial area of Newark ahead of a scheduled pro-ICE counter-protest on Saturday morning.
