Curfew imposed as protests continue outside Newark ICE facility

New Jersey officials are calling for calm after several days of protests and clashes outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark.

(CNN)- New Jersey officials are calling for calm after several days of protests and clashes outside Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said state leaders are focused on preventing further unrest.

“We are especially committed right now to the steps necessary to ensure we do not see an ICE surge in New Jersey,” Davenport said.

Protesters have gathered outside the facility for days, citing allegations of inhumane conditions inside Delaney Hall.

The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against those allegations. On Friday, the operator of the privately owned facility painted yellow boundary lines on sidewalks and posted “Private Property” and “No Trespassing” signs near the main entrances. In an effort to reduce tensions, officials announced that New Jersey State Police would take over public safety operations outside the facility from ICE agents.

Governor Mikie Sherrill also announced the creation of a designated protest area outside Delaney Hall, describing it as a “peaceful, protected protest zone.” Despite those efforts, additional confrontations between protesters and police occurred Saturday night.

In response, officials enacted a nightly curfew around the area.

Addressing the unrest on Sunday, Sherrill condemned violence and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.

“Last night we saw masked individuals attack the barrier, taking aggressive, dangerous actions against Newark and New Jersey State Police,” the governor said.