The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement refuting what it calls "false information" and "smears" regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Delaney Hall facility in Newark, New Jersey. DHS asserts that these claims, spread by "sanctuary politicians and leftist activists," have contributed to a "coordinated attack" against ICE officers.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, "Another day, another hoax about ICE detention facilities. Sanctuary politicians are spreading categorically false smears about ICE’s Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. These types of smears are inciting violent riots outside the ICE facility in New Jersey." Bis added that detainees receive "3 meals a day, medical care, and receive full due process."
DHS specifically addressed several claims, stating that comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services are provided, and there is no ongoing hunger strike. Regarding custody deaths, DHS reported no spike, with death rates at 0.009% of the detained population, consistent with the last decade.
The department also clarified incidents involving external protests and internal detainee altercations. DHS stated that no individuals were directly struck by pepper ball projectiles during a May 25, 2026, incident where "rioters obstructed law enforcement." Similarly, on May 28, 2026, staff responded to a physical fight among detainees, using the "minimum amount of force" to deescalate, denying claims of ICE personnel physically attacking detainees.