Newark Lifts Curfew and Free Speech Zone Restrictions Around Delaney Hall After Peaceful Protests

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has lifted the curfew and designated free speech zone restrictions around the Delaney Hall facility following a series of protests that ended without any arrests, officials said.

The decision comes after city authorities initially imposed a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in response to escalating demonstrations outside the immigration detention center. The measures were introduced amid growing tensions that prompted the deployment of New Jersey State Police last Friday.

Officials said Newark police have since assumed responsibility for public safety in the area, as local authorities shift toward a less restrictive approach focused on communication and community engagement.

Mayor Baraka said the decision reflects confidence that demonstrators can continue to exercise their right to protest peacefully without additional restrictions. Community policing officers will remain present to engage with protesters and help maintain order, according to city officials.

Protests outside Delaney Hall have continued for more than a week, with demonstrators calling for improved conditions for detainees inside the facility. No arrests have been reported during the demonstrations so far.

The City of Newark and the State of New Jersey have also filed a lawsuit against the facility’s operators, raising concerns about conditions at the detention center. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has denied allegations of mistreatment.

Officials say the coming days will be closely monitored to assess whether the relaxed policing approach will be effective in maintaining peace as protests continue.