Newark imposes curfew after disturbances over protests against migrant detention center

New Jersey. – Authorities in the city of Newark imposed a nighttime curfew around the Delaney Hall immigrant detention center, after several days of clashes between protesters and law enforcement amid protests over the conditions of migrants held in the facility. The measure was announced by Mayor Ras Baraka and will be in effect between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. until further notice, with the aim of preserving public order following the escalation of tension recorded during the demonstrations. The protests intensified after dozens of migrants began a hunger strike to denounce alleged inadequate conditions inside the detention center, including overcrowding, deficiencies in food, poor medical attention, and reprisals against those participating in the protest.

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During the last few days, clashes have occurred between protesters and security agents, with reports of the use of tear gas, barricades, and police deployments to disperse the participants. State authorities also denounced violent acts, such as throwing objects and damage to infrastructure in the vicinity of the venue. Democratic lawmakers, activists, and families of detainees have demanded an investigation into the conditions at Delaney Hall and even the closure of the facility, arguing that migrants face inhumane treatment. For their part, federal authorities have rejected much of the complaints and maintain that the center meets the established standards for this type of facility. The Delaney Hall center, considered one of the largest immigration detention facilities on the East Coast of the United States, has become the epicenter of a growing national controversy over immigration policies and the conditions of immigrants in federal custody. Authorities maintain enhanced surveillance in the area while protests continue and calls from human rights organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of detained migrants.