Violent protests have erupted outside the Delaney Hall immigrant detention center in Newark, where GEO Group operates under a 15-year, $1 billion federal contract. The demonstrations have turned confrontational as authorities deployed tear gas and batons against protesters who blocked entrances and allegedly set fires. The unrest has created operational challenges for the private prison company.

The facility has been contentious since reopening last year amid President Trump's immigration crackdown, which has filled detention centers nationwide. Reports of detainees staging a hunger strike sparked the latest protests, though federal officials denied such claims. GEO Group relies heavily on government contracts that could be jeopardized by sustained negative publicity from the clashes.

The conflict escalated after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill joined protesters, leading to multiple confrontations with immigration agents. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed a curfew after violence intensified. GEO Group faces immediate challenges maintaining operations while managing public relations, with the company's bottom line directly impacted by the persistent protests.