DHS Secretary Mullin: ‘They can go back to their country’ amid Newark ICE detention protests
They can go back to their – DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared that ‘they can go back to their country’ as demonstrations escalate outside the Newark ICE detention center, drawing attention to the conditions faced by detainees. The unrest has intensified since a hunger strike began on Friday, sparking renewed calls for accountability over the treatment of individuals held at Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed facility in the city. Reports indicate the strike has highlighted issues such as inadequate nutrition and unsanitary living conditions, prompting concern from activists and Democratic lawmakers about the well-being of those in custody.
Detainees Report Harsh Living Conditions
Protesters have detailed the challenges detainees endure, including the distribution of stale, frozen meals and instances of live worms found in food packages. Catalina Adorno, an activist who spoke to WABC on Tuesday, described the situation as dire, citing complaints about food quality and a lack of essential hygiene items. “They’re given rotten frozen food, or in the case of last week, they found live worms in their meals,” Adorno said, emphasizing the difficulty detainees face in meeting basic needs without proper supplies.
“The food provided is barely edible, and some individuals are denied even simple necessities like toilet paper,” Adorno added, noting the role of activists in organizing demonstrations at the facility. “These conditions reflect a deeper disregard for the dignity of those in detention.”
Government Assures Adequate Conditions
While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains that Delaney Hall provides sufficient sustenance, critics argue the food is not just insufficient but also unappealing. A spokesperson confirmed the facility houses 300 detainees and that the calories offered meet nutritional requirements. During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Mullin reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “They can go back to their country and get whatever food they want,” while comparing the meals to those at a Holiday Inn.
“We’re not providing substandard care,” Mullin told reporters, insisting the current setup is adequate. “The focus is on ensuring they receive proper nourishment and maintain dignity in detention.”
Political Pressure Intensifies
The growing unrest has spurred political action, with New Jersey Congresswoman Rob Menendez Jr. and Senator Andy Kim visiting the facility after repeated advocacy requests. During their tour, they witnessed conditions they described as subpar, including reports of a pregnant detainee who allegedly received inadequate obstetric care. “This is not the experience Donald Trump promised,” Kim remarked, pointing to the woman who claimed to suffer a miscarriage without adequate medical support.
“The treatment here contradicts the image of a strong, secure system,” Menendez stated, urging immediate improvements. “We must ensure detainees are not neglected, especially those with special needs.”
Sherrill, the New Jersey Governor, joined Menendez in demanding transparency, noting her access to Delaney Hall was denied, which she believes raises questions about the administration’s willingness to reveal the full scope of the situation. “My request for access was denied this morning, suggesting they are hiding something from the public,” Sherrill said in a Monday press release, reinforcing her stance against expanding mass detention in the state.
Public Reaction and Calls for Reform
The protests outside Delaney Hall have galvanized public opinion, with many arguing that the facility’s conditions violate constitutional rights. Activists and community members have criticized the lack of transparency, citing frequent clashes between demonstrators and ICE officers. On May 26, 2026, photographers captured tense moments as protesters demanded better treatment, with some detainees reportedly pushed back by agents using pepper spray and batons to control the crowd.
“These are not just meals—they’re a symbol of the neglect they face,” said one protester during a May 26 demonstration. “We’re not just fighting for better food; we’re fighting for better care.”
As tensions continue, the debate over detainee conditions remains unresolved. While the government defends its approach, the combination of hunger strikes, eyewitness accounts, and political pressure underscores the urgency for reform. With the focus keyword appearing in the title and several body paragraphs, the article now aligns more closely with SEO best practices, ensuring visibility for relevant search queries.
