NJ senator pepper-sprayed with protestors outside Delaney Hall immigrant center in Newark

ICE agents pepper-sprayed protesters, pushed demonstrators back with batons, and used an armed vehicle to deter a crowd during clashes outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. Video and photos show Sen. Andy Kim’s eyes being washed out after pepper spray exposure during a confrontation between demonstrators and ICE. Kim said detainees were protesting lack of due process, poor food, and treatment while families and advocates demanded help outside. Immigrant advocates said detainees have held a hunger strike since Friday, and an earlier open letter signed by nearly 300 detainees described poor conditions and denied due process. DHS said no one was directly struck by pepper-ball projectiles, that verbal commands were issued, and that minimum force was used to protect people and federal property.

"ICE agents pepper-sprayed protesters, pushed demonstrators back with batons and used an armed vehicle to deter the crowd amid continuing clashes outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark yesterday, according to local officials and video from the scene."

"Video and photos posted by NJ.com show Sen. Andy Kim's eyes being washed out after he was exposed to pepper spray in a confrontation between demonstrators and ICE Monday. In a social media post, the senator said detainees were protesting the lack of due process, the disgusting food and poor treatment while their families and advocates stood outside calling for help."

"Instead of engaging with me and others about the poor conditions, ICE sent in an armored vehicle and a line of armed agents that only poured gasoline on the fire, Kim wrote on social media. Civilians were tackled and restrained, and agents fired pepper balls and spray into the crowd."

"The Department of Homeland Security, in a statement late Monday night, said no individuals were struck directly by pepper-ball projectiles. It said officers issued multiple lawful verbal commands for rioters to disperse, but demonstrators obstructed the center's exit routes. DHS said its agents used the minimum force necessary to protect themselves, the public and federal property"

Read at gothamist.com