EPISCOPAL clergy in the United States, who were supporting protesters outside a detention centre in New Jersey, were affected by pepper spray used by immigration agents clearing a path through the demonstration.
Three clergy from the diocese of Newark attended what began as a peaceful protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention facility. It was largely made up of the families of detainees.
About 300 detainees have gone on hunger strike at what they have described as “inhumane” conditions. ICE has denied that a hunger strike is under way or that conditions for detainees are substandard. The 1000-bed site is operated by a private contractor who manages 21 ICE facilities.
The state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against the operator this week, asking for a court to give access to the centre to investigate the allegations, including reports of worms in food and a lack of adequate medical care.
The Governor of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill, also attended the protest, as did Senator Andy Kim, who attempted to de-escalate tensions. Mr Kim was among those affected by the pepper spray, as was the Revd George Dredden, Priest for Community Engagement at Christ Church, Short Hills.
Speaking from the protest in a video shared by InsiderNJ.com, Fr Dredden said: “We do believe in following the gospel of Jesus, and inhumane treatment to others in not in the game plan. . . There are atrocities going on inside this place.
“The bottom line is we are better than this. The nonsense we are going through right now is not following the gospel of Jesus. We are always taught to take care of those less fortunate, to help those who are oppressed, to treat them with dignity and respect. This is not it. It takes this kind of activism to get answers and to get action.”
The Rector of St Peter’s, Mountain Lakes, the Revd Michael Muller, and his wife, Liz Muller, were also in attendance. Mr Muller said that he had also heard reports of harsh conditions inside Delaney Hall.
“No matter what people might think about illegal immigration, this is way beyond targeting illegal criminals,” he said. “The country has the right to regulate immigration policies but how about we do it in a humane way?”
The Department for Homeland Security has denied that conditions are sub-standard, describing such reports as “smears”. The acting assistant secretary, Lauren Bis, said: “No lawbreakers in the history of human civilisation have been better treated than illegal aliens. They are provided three meals a day, medical care, and receive full due process.”
A post from the official White House account on social media on Monday said: “ICE operations will NOT be deterred. Riot, obstruct, or assault an officer and you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
Further protests continued over the weekend and a nightly curfew was imposed on Sunday by the city’s Democratic mayor, Ras Baraka. Several people were arrested after they broke the curfew. It was lifted on Tuesday.
At least 18 people have died this year in ICE custody, including US citizens. With the FIFA World Cup tournament due to begin next week, groups working to support migrant communities are concerned about ICE activities during the event.
Civil-society groups have issued a travel warning to visitors about “serious rights violations”, saying: “In February 2026 — just days after ICE agents shot and killed Nicole Good in Minneapolis — ICE said agents would play a ‘key part’ in the security at this summer’s tournament, raising concerns of potential ICE violence and increased enforcement activity in host cities.”
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has insisted that ICE will not operate inside stadiums.