Anti-ICE protesters clash with agents outside New Jersey detention center

NEWARK, N.J. — More than 100 protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center, on Thursday evening and clashed with federal agents as vehicles tried to enter the facility.

Unmarked federal vehicles approached the privately run center, which activists say holds about 900 detainees, and some demonstrators refused to move. One man was dragged to the ground and detained near where reporters stood. An ICE agent declined to say whether the man would face criminal charges.

Protesters blocked surrounding roads as agents moved in and out of the area. One woman accused agents of trying to hit female demonstrators with a vehicle. In another clash, an agitator was thrown to the ground by his shirt and another was pushed against a truck that became stuck in the crowd.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Sen. Andy Kim have criticized conditions at the center. The Department of Homeland Security accused the lawmakers and activists of fueling unrest and interfering with enforcement operations. Sherrill was denied entry earlier in the week after reports that some detainees had started a hunger strike, and she has called for the facility to be closed.

DHS said about six demonstrators were arrested Wednesday on allegations that they assaulted law enforcement officers. Police presence remained limited, consistent with Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka’s stance against assisting immigration enforcement.

In Boston on Thursday, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey released new guidance for schools, child care providers, colleges, health care facilities and places of worship on how to respond if federal immigration agents arrive. DHS said in a statement that there is no hunger strike at Delaney Hall and that law and order will be restored.