Curfew imposed in New Jersey city over ICE protest violence

NEWARK: The mayor of Newark in New Jersey imposed a curfew on Sunday in the area around a migrant detention facility after a second night of confrontations between police and demonstrators protesting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

In a statement, Mayor Ras Baraka said the restriction covered a half-mile zone around Delaney Hall and took effect immediately. Access to the facility, which is run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will be barred from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am until further notice.

Baraka said the step was taken to protect residents in the area.

"To ensure the safety and well-being of all residents, a mandatory curfew for a half-mile area surrounding Delaney Hall is being implemented, effective immediately"

Delaney Hall, a privately operated 1,000-bed detention center, has been the focus of several days of protests. Demonstrations during the day on Saturday were largely peaceful and included a counter-protest backing ICE. Later, however, some protesters tried to push through a police barricade, after which police used tear gas.

Security changes failed to stop renewed clashes

Authorities had already tried to calm the situation on Friday by moving security responsibility from ICE to state police and by creating designated areas for protests. Those measures did not stop further clashes during the night.

New Jersey Democratic governor Mikie Sherrill condemned the violence in a post on X, saying she would not allow the incidents to weaken the state’s commitment to public safety.

"I don't know why these individuals attacked or what they are trying to do, but I refuse to let these dangerous acts undermine New Jersey's commitment to public safety"

The demonstrations were sparked by a hunger and work strike launched by detainees at Delaney Hall over conditions inside the facility. The strike has also received support from several Democratic lawmakers.