DHS accuses Gov. Mikie Sherrill and sanctuary state leaders of protecting violent criminal offenders as protests erupt outside Newark detention center
The Department of Homeland Security launched a sharp political attack against New Jersey Democratic leaders over Memorial Day weekend, accusing so-called “sanctuary politicians” of undermining ICE operations and protecting dangerous criminal offenders living in the state.
The escalating immigration battle unfolded as federal agents and protesters clashed outside Delaney Hall, a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark, where tensions surrounding ICE enforcement actions intensified Monday.
In a series of posts published Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter, DHS directly criticized New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and other state leaders while defending recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests carried out across the state.
“While the rest of America was honoring our fallen heroes, New Jersey sanctuary politicians spent Memorial Day weekend smearing ICE law enforcement and fighting for criminals,” the agency wrote.
The posts then highlighted several individuals arrested by ICE in New Jersey whom Homeland Security described as criminal illegal immigrants with serious prior offenses.
Among those named by DHS:
Jhan Martinez-Valverde, a Peruvian national arrested in Elizabeth, was described by DHS as having a criminal history involving a sex offense against a child.
Sergio Marques Abrantes, a Portuguese national arrested in Newark, was identified as having a prior charge involving enticement of a minor for indecent purposes.
Antonio Gutierrez-Arroyo, arrested in Bridgeton, was described as having a criminal history that includes sexual assault and resisting arrest.
Juan Vazquez Reyes, also arrested in Bridgeton, was identified by DHS as having a homicide-related criminal history.
The message was part of a broader federal pushback against sanctuary-state policies and recent criticism aimed at ICE enforcement actions in New Jersey and other Democratic-led states.
At the same time, demonstrations outside Delaney Hall drew national attention after detainees inside the facility reportedly launched a labor and hunger strike over conditions advocates described as inhumane.
Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed detention facility in Newark utilized by ICE, became the center of escalating protests throughout Memorial Day weekend as activists, family members, and elected officials gathered outside the complex.
According to protest organizers and advocacy groups, tensions reached a breaking point when demonstrators attempted to block the transfer of a detainee to another facility. Crowds reportedly formed a human chain outside the gates and obstructed unmarked federal vehicles from leaving the property.
By late afternoon Monday, ICE agents wearing riot gear and carrying batons and gas canisters moved in to clear blocked entrances and secure the perimeter surrounding the detention center.
Federal agents deployed pepper balls and pepper spray into the crowd during the confrontation.
In a statement, DHS said “rioters obstructed law enforcement” and claimed agents used the “minimum amount of force necessary” to reopen access points and restore security at the facility.
The agency also stated that no individuals were directly struck by projectiles during the operation.
The detainee at the center of the standoff was ultimately transferred to the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in New Jersey. Following the clashes, DHS temporarily suspended visitation at Delaney Hall.
The confrontation also drew involvement from several high-profile New Jersey Democrats.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim both traveled to Delaney Hall during the demonstrations to meet with family members and seek access to the facility. According to reports, both officials were initially denied entry.
Sen. Kim was later caught in the crowd during the confrontation and reportedly experienced the effects of gas and pepper spray deployed during the incident.
Afterward, Kim described the situation as “sad” and criticized conditions inside the detention center.
New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive and Mikie Sherrill’s executive order, originally implemented under former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, restricts many forms of cooperation between local police departments and federal immigration enforcement.
Democratic leaders in New Jersey have defended the directive, saying it protects civil rights while still allowing law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE in serious criminal matters.
The DHS posts quickly sparked political backlash online, with supporters praising the agency’s aggressive stance while critics accused Homeland Security of politicizing immigration enforcement.