US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) defended conditions at a detention centre in the state of New Jersey on Tuesday following days of protests outside the facility over the treatment of detainees.
In a statement posted on X, ICE said all detainees at the centre in Newark received regular meals and had access to water, clothing, bedding, showers, hygiene products and medical care. Detainees were also able to communicate with family members and lawyers, it said.
Dozens of protesters have gathered for days outside the facility near New York City, where around 300 people are currently being held. Demonstrators accuse ICE of failing to provide adequate food and medical care to detainees.
Protesters also alleged that officers used pepper spray and batons during clashes outside the centre.
ICE has faced mounting criticism in recent months over its hardline immigration enforcement tactics and fatal shootings involving federal agents. Tensions escalated particularly in Minneapolis, where protests erupted following deadly incidents involving ICE officers.
