Democratic Sen. Andy Kim says he was pepper-sprayed by federal agents Monday during a chaotic standoff outside a detention facility in Newark that is rapidly becoming a national political flashpoint.
The confrontation erupted outside Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center at the center of growing controversy over detainee conditions, alleged medical neglect, and a reported hunger strike.
Sherrill Blocked, Kim Allowed Inside
Gov. Mikie Sherrill was denied entry Monday, with DHS later dismissing her appearance as a “political stunt.”
Kim, however, was allowed into the facility after reportedly contacting Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin directly.
After touring Delaney Hall, Kim joined families and immigration activists gathered outside the facility and attempted to mediate between demonstrators and federal agents.
Human Chain and Crowd Control Clash
According to Kim, tensions exploded after ICE agents attempted to transfer a detainee accused of organizing the hunger strike.
Protesters reportedly formed a human chain blocking exits in an effort to stop the transfer.
As the standoff escalated, agents deployed pepper spray, pepper-ball rounds, mace, and an armored vehicle to clear the roadway.
Kim said he and members of his staff were caught directly in the crossfire while trying to negotiate a peaceful resolution.
Images circulating online later showed volunteers flushing the senator’s eyes with water as he complained of burning eyes and throat pain.
DHS Accuses Protesters of Obstruction
The Department of Homeland Security defended the operation, accusing protesters of obstructing federal law enforcement.
“Rioters obstructed law enforcement from exiting the ICE facility,” DHS said in a public statement.
Another Major Flashpoint in the Immigration Debate
Afterward, Kim condemned Delaney Hall as “a failure” and demanded the detention center be shut down.
The clash is likely to further inflame already intense national tensions surrounding ICE detention centers, deportation policy, and the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
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When you impede federal agents from doing their job you are no longer a protester you are a rioter! Which makes you a criminal!
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