New Jersey Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by federal agents during a protest outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on Monday (May 25). The protest, which Kim attended alongside New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, was part of ongoing demonstrations against the conditions at the facility, where detainees have reported inadequate food and medical care.
Kim says he attempted to de-escalate tensions between protesters and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who were using batons and pepper spray. Video footage shared on social media showed Kim receiving assistance to flush his eyes after being sprayed.
Kim described the scene as “chaos” and criticized the conditions inside Delaney Hall, calling for its closure. He stated that detainees were denied basic needs, including fresh food and medical care, and that the air conditioning was not functioning properly. Kim also expressed concern about the denial of due process for immigrants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, denied claims of a hunger strike and poor conditions. In a statement, DHS said detainees receive adequate care, including medical, dental, and mental health services. However, Kim and Sherrill have called for the facility to be shut down, citing the inhumane conditions reported by detainees.
The protest and subsequent violence occurred amid ongoing debates over immigration policy and funding for ICE. Kim plans to introduce amendments addressing detention issues as Congress continues to discuss immigration reforms.
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