On Monday, U.S. Senator Andy Kim was pepper-sprayed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey. The incident occurred during a protest against the facility's conditions, where detainees were reportedly on hunger strike. Kim, who attempted to mediate between protesters and armed ICE agents, described feeling burning sensations in his eyes and throat after the confrontation. He noted that ICE had brought an armored vehicle and was prepared for a physical clash. Amid the chaos, Kim placed himself between the protesters and ICE to prevent violence, leading to the use of pepper spray and pepper balls by law enforcement. Governor Mikie Sherrill, who also attended the protest, heard complaints from families about poor food quality and medical care for detainees. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that no individuals were directly hit by projectiles and characterized the protesters' actions as obstructive. Secretary Mullin labeled the incident as a political stunt, denying any hunger strike or substandard conditions at Delaney Hall.