Family visits at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center, operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark, resumed this Sunday after several days of suspension caused by protests and clashes around the facilities.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agreed to restore family access to detainees, a measure that had been suspended over the holiday weekend for security reasons.

As explained by the state president, limited visits began again at noon on Sunday, while the regular schedule will be fully resumed starting Monday. In addition, he indicated that the security forces will collaborate to facilitate the families' access to the detention center.

Delaney Hall has become the center of growing controversy due to complaints made by detainees and activists about alleged deficiencies in food, medical care and living conditions within the facility. Federal authorities have rejected those accusations.

Tension grows due to protests in front of the center

For more than a week, groups of protesters have gathered in front of Delaney Hall to demand improvements in the conditions of detained immigrants and demand greater transparency in immigration procedures.

The protests led to several incidents in recent days. According to state authorities, some demonstrations ended in confrontations with security agents, who deployed control measures to disperse groups that allegedly tried to break the established perimeters.

New Jersey officials reported at least three arrests during the riots on Saturday night. Among those arrested is a person accused of illegal possession of weapons.

Governor Sherrill condemned the violent episodes and maintained that these types of actions divert attention from concerns about the well-being of detainees and their families.

Likewise, he called for the protests to continue peacefully and asked people from other states to refrain from participating in actions that could increase tensions in the area.

In response to the situation, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka declared a nighttime curfew around the complex. The measure will remain in force between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., limiting access to authorized vehicles.

Debate on the conditions of detainees

The debate over conditions inside Delaney Hall also attracted the attention of federal lawmakers. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, along with several New Jersey congressmen, made an oversight visit to the center over the weekend.

After the tour, Jeffries described the conditions observed as worrying and maintained that the application of immigration laws must be carried out in a fair and humane manner.

For its part, the DHS reiterated that detainees receive three meals a day, access to medical services and due process guarantees. The agency also denied reports of an alleged widespread hunger strike within the facilities.

While differences continue between state and federal authorities regarding the situation at Delaney Hall, the reestablishment of visits represents a relief for hundreds of families seeking to maintain contact with their loved ones while their immigration processes progress.

Meanwhile, the demonstrations continue under strict police surveillance and with a security perimeter that the authorities plan to maintain for the next few days.

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