Gov. Mikie Sherrill establishes "peaceful, protected protest zone" outside Newark's Delaney Hall ICE detention facility

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill Friday took aim at growing tensions between protesters and ICE agents at the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark. 

Sherrill said recent days have brought "increasing violence, arrests and pepper spray, as well as public threats from the Trump administration, and we've seen the risk of public safety rising outside of Delaney Hall. It has grown unsafe and that is completely unacceptable." 

Sherrill said things need to cool down immediately, citing previous ICE interventions in other states that led to the loss of American lives. 

"I will not give ICE the pretext to expand operations in our state. For that reason, New Jersey law enforcement is establishing a peaceful, protected protest zone in the area right outside Delaney Hall," Sherrill said. "Our top priority is public safety, and we need to take this opportunity to lower the temperature now." 

The move comes despite a state directive restricting officers from assisting ICE agents. 

Sherrill called on ICE and demonstrators to de-escalate. 

"For days, I've asked ICE for access to inspect conditions, to see what's happening inside New Jersey on our soil. I went there myself and I was denied entry," Sherrill said. "For days, ICE has refused most of our requests, raising serious questions about what it is trying to hide from public view." 

"Let me make this clear. Violence either against protesters or by protesters is unacceptable and it is not who we are. Increased escalation and increased ICE presence won't make anyone safer," New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. 

Davenport said New Jersey State Police will supervise the protest zones, and establish checkpoints to reduce vehicular traffic outside the facility. 

"We're urging the public to stay safe and to exercise their rights peacefully," Davenport said. 

"Delaney Hall is a private detention facility run by a for-profit company providing zero transparency," Sherrill said. "I'm going to keep working families and advocates to demand answers." 

Sherrill's announcement comes as protests continue

Protesters continued to gather Friday outside Delaney Hall after days of sometimes violent clashes with federal ICE officers. 

Some who gathered Friday morning were carrying gas masks. A large tent was set up nearby with supplies including eye solution and paper towels. 

This follows another tense standoff between ICE agents and demonstrators overnight. 

Some organizers said they've been at Delaney for six months helping detainees and their families. 

"My husband and I are the fruit and produce people. We bring roughly $100 or $150 worth of fruits and vegetables to distribute to the families," one person said. 

"We brought some medical supplies. Things like gauze, antibiotics. We brought some snack items, water," said another. 

Karen Walsh says her group raises funds for detainees for food inside and rides home. 

"My heart is so broken and sad. This is where I need to be," Walsh said. 

Newark Police union president speaks out

The Newark police union released a statement Friday saying it "stands firmly beside every law enforcement officer who courageously serves and protects our communities each day. 

"We fully support every citizen's constitutional right to peacefully protest. However, violence, destruction, intimidation, and attacks directed at law enforcement officers will never be accepted or tolerated. Those who choose to harm the men and women behind the badge are attackin the very people who risk their lives to maintain public safety and order," Jared Stewart of the Fraternal Order of Police Newark Lodge 12 said. "Although there are times when leadership may direct restraint or non-engagement, the members of Newark FOP Lodge 12 remain ready, prepared, and willing to answer the call in support of any law enforcement agency that requires assistance. Our commitment to protecting our fellow officers and the communities they serve does not waver." 

"We will continue to stand united with our brothers and sisters in blue, uphold the rule of law, and respond professionally, lawfully, and decisively whenever duty calls," he added. 

"Law and order will prevail"

"On the evening of May 28th, approximately 100 anti-ICE rioters gathered around the Delaney Hall ICE facility. Rioters bit, kicked, and punched law enforcement officers. Governor Sherrill refused to allow state police to assist our officers. Assaulting and obstructing [ICE] law enforcement is a crime and felony. Throughout the night, nine rioters were arrested. Anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Law and order will prevail," Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin wrote on social media. 

New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive restricts officers from enforcing federal immigration laws or assisting ICE agents.

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have come by the immigration detention facility throughout the week. They, along with family members of detainees, say conditions are not good inside, and that detainees are not getting proper food or medical attention. 

Meanwhile, some Republicans say they're preparing a rally to support ICE agents outside Delaney Hall Saturday. 

"We have congressional candidates, senate candidates and all sorts of candidates coming to show support for ICE and law and order," Montclair Republican Committee chair Mark Byrne said. 

"What do we stand for?" 

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso visited the facility Friday. 

"These are folks that are really struggling in a detention center that does not meet American values and standards. And this is happening in the 250th anniversary of America, and what our principals are, what do we stand for? And this is completely unacceptable," Reynoso said. 

Debate about health inspectors

Mullin said New Jersey health inspectors were allowed inside the facility Thursday, and the detainees are getting three meals a day and have access to everything they need, including medical care. However, Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Thursday her inspectors were not being allowed in. 

We still don't know what those inspectors Mullin referred to found inside the facility.