Senator Kim Pepper-Sprayed at Protests Over ICE Facility Conditions

Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by federal agents during ongoing protests outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. According to multiple reports, Kim joined Governor Mikie Sherrill at the protest on May 30th to speak with relatives of detainees who have been staging a hunger strike for nearly two weeks over alleged poor conditions and denial of medical care.

Protests have escalated since Friday, with demonstrators alleging that detainees are being denied fresh food, proper medical treatment, and adequate air conditioning. Tensions reached a boiling point on Sunday when authorities attempted to move Martin Soto, a detainee who organized the hunger strike, to another facility. Kim told USA Today he was pepper-sprayed after trying to de-escalate a standoff between protesters and ICE agents.

Violent clashes have marked the protests, with demonstrators hurling rocks and fighting federal agents. According to Fox News, several ICE agents were injured during Thursday night's clashes, including three officers who were bitten by protesters. A cinder block was also thrown at an ICE patrol car, shattering its windshield.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed claims about the conditions inside the facility. In statements reported by Fox News and CBS News, DHS claimed that detainees receive three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, toiletries, and access to phones to communicate with family members and lawyers. The agency also stated that certified dietitians evaluate meals and that ICE maintains higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons.

Despite DHS's claims, protesters and detainees continue to allege inhumane conditions inside the facility. Detainees have reported being served food with worms and maggots, overcrowded rooms without air conditioning, and inadequate medical treatment. Senator Kim has called for the immediate closure of Delaney Hall, stating that 'Delaney Hall is a failure; it’s this administration’s failure.' The protests have drawn attention from other Democratic politicians, including Governor Sherrill and Congressman Rob Menendez.

In a statement Tuesday, DHS said Senator Kim was allowed into the facility after personally calling Secretary Mullin. They also called the protesters 'rioters' obstructing law enforcement operations and denied that any individuals were directly struck by pepper ball projectiles. Governor Sherrill countered that the violence is another reason Delaney Hall needs to close.

Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. said the escalation between ICE agents and protesters is a distraction from the conditions inside. Democratic lawmakers who have been allowed inside reported inhumane conditions, with advocates stating detainees are facing rotten food and unclean bathrooms. Protesters emphasized that people don't go on hunger strike for no reason.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has asked the governor to launch an immediate investigation into Delaney Hall, citing serious ongoing concerns despite being blocked from inspecting the facility.