Why Are People Protesting Delaney Hall, And Who is Backing Them?

Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka said the city will file a lawsuit to close Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center that has sparked protests and some arrests in recent weeks. Outlets on the left have highlighted the center's allegedly inhumane conditions as well as the charges some protestors are facing, while outlets on the right have questioned the organizations backing the protests.

Why Are People Protesting? Some detainees at Delaney Hall went on a hunger and labor strike on May 22 to protest the spoiled food being served in the center, according to CNN (Lean Left bias). CNN also cited inadequate medical care, overcrowding, and unsanitary conditions as reasons for the protests. Despite Mayor Baraka's statements about attempting to close the facility, Border Czar Tom Homan said he recently personally oversaw the facility and called the accusations "stone cold lies."

Why Have People Been Arrested? At least 87 protestors have been arrested since May 26, 61 of whom were arrested for violating a curfew put in place on Sunday night. Seventeen people were arrested for assaulting and impeding federal officers, and some others have been charged with disorderly conduct. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined the protests on Memorial Day, according to New York Times (Lean Left); however, after protestors threw objects, set fires, and clashed with law enforcement officials, she said, "Violent, chaotic clashes hurt everyone." The Times cited a public defender who read some of the charges and said most of the language police used to describe protestors' actions was generic, leaving the case against them "weak."

Who is Backing These Protestors? New York Post (Lean Right) that the protestors are "part of a well-funded effort bankrolled by some of the biggest leftist organizations in the country," including the American Civil Liberties Union, Indivisible, and Democratic Socialists of America. The Post drew attention to a Fox News (Right bias) investigation that found a planning document that encouraged protestors to call the detention facility a "concentration camp." The Post also quoted a nonprofit expert and former US Senate chief of staff, who said, "These are manufactured, strategic, calculated endeavors by an army of nonprofits meant to push subversive activity."

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