Clashes escalate outside Newark ICE facility as detainees say conditions deteriorate

Detainees at Newark’s immigration detention center released an open letter asking supporters outside not to give up as clashes continued near the facility gates. Video from outside shows federal agents using batons and an apparent push toward a tractor trailer wheel during a chaotic altercation. Advocates reported at least three arrests overnight, following multiple confrontations since demonstrators began gathering last Friday amid detainee hunger and labor strikes. The letter, released through advocacy groups, says most detainees have a persistent flu, bathrooms are terrible and inhumane, and food has been served containing worms or in a state of decay. GEO Group, the private contractor operating the center, denied the claims and said it meets federal standards for medical care and meals.

"Detainees inside a Newark immigration detention center are pleading in a new open letter for supporters outside not to give up on them as violent clashes between demonstrators and ICE agents continue outside the center's gates. Federal agents struck protesters with batons and appeared to push one into the path of a tractor trailer wheel in a chaotic altercation late Wednesday, video from outside the immigration center shows. Immigrant advocates said at least three people were arrested in the overnight violence, the latest of several confrontations since demonstrators began gathering last Friday amid a detainee hunger and labor strike."

"Detainees wrote a letter released through advocacy groups Wednesday that most of the hundreds of people kept in the center have a "persistent flu," the bathrooms are "terrible and inhumane," and food has been served "containing worms or in a state of decay." "We appreciate the support of everyone who is protesting outside the facility," they wrote in the letter, the third released through advocates this year. It had about 100 signatures advocates said were from the detainees. "We want you to know that you give us the strength and determination to keep going. Please, DON'T GIVE UP!""

"GEO Group, the Florida-based private company operating Delaney Hall on a federal contract valued at $1 billion, denied the letter's claims. The company said it meets all federal standards, including providing "around-the-clock" access to medical care and dietician-approved meals. "GEO categorically rejects these baseless allegations, which are part of a coordinated, politically motivated campaign by outside groups to dismantle ICE and federal immigration detention by targeting the government's facility contractors," Christopher Ferreira, a spokesperson for the company, said in a statement."

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