Anti-ICE Protesters Assault Federal Agents with Unknown Chemical Substance During Violent Clashes at Newark Detention Center

Anti-ICE Rioters Assault Agents with Chemical Substance at New Jersey Detention Center

Anti-ICE Rioters Assault Agents with Chemical Substance at New Jersey Detention Center

17GEN4 News | May 28, 2026

Violent clashes erupted outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday night as anti-ICE protesters allegedly sprayed federal officers with an unknown chemical substance, prompting agents to respond with pepper spray and physical force. Two individuals were arrested on charges of assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers.

The incident marks the latest escalation in days of protests outside the privately operated detention center, where detainees have been on a hunger and labor strike over alleged inhumane conditions.

Details of the Clash

According to the Department of Homeland Security and eyewitness accounts:

• Protesters blocked vehicles attempting to leave the facility and threw objects, including water bottles.

• At least one group of agitators allegedly sprayed ICE law enforcement officers with an unknown chemical substance.

• ICE agents deployed pepper spray, used batons, and physically pushed back the crowd to clear paths and protect operations.

• Some reports described agents firing orange-colored spray directly into protesters’ faces during repeated confrontations.

• The clashes turned physical multiple times, with agents chasing individuals across the street.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted on X: “Tonight, ICE law enforcement officers were assaulted by anti-ICE rioters who sprayed law enforcement with an unknown chemical substance. Two individuals were arrested for assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers. Assaulting and obstructing ICE law enforcement is a crime and a felony. Anyone who assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Background and Context

Protests outside Delaney Hall have intensified over the past week amid reports of poor conditions inside the facility. Detainees have alleged denial of adequate medical care, food, and other basic needs, leading to a sustained hunger and labor strike. Lawyers for the detainees have described the conditions as inhumane.

The facility, which holds around 1,000 beds, has become a focal point for immigration enforcement protests in New Jersey. Demonstrations have included attempts to block access and direct confrontations with agents.On Monday, U.S. Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) was caught in the chaos during a congressional oversight visit. He reported being exposed to a chemical irritant (pepper spray), experiencing burning in his eyes and throat while trying to de-escalate tensions.

Federal agents have maintained that they used the minimum force necessary after verbal commands failed and protesters obstructed operations.

Broader Implications

The clashes come as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement. DHS has signaled it may take stronger measures against sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with ICE, including potential restrictions on international flight processing at certain airports.

No serious injuries to officers or protesters have been officially reported from Tuesday’s incident, though multiple journalists and bystanders were affected by chemical agents deployed during the unrest.The situation remains tense, with protests expected to continue as long as the hunger strike inside the facility persists.

Anti-ICE Rioters Assault Agents with Chemical Substance at New Jersey Detention Center

Violent clashes erupted outside Delaney Hall in Newark as anti-ICE protesters allegedly sprayed ICE officers with an unknown chemical. Two arrested amid ongoing hunger strike protests.

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