The protests outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, continued on Saturday, with the hunger and labor strike inside hitting day nine. Detained immigrants are demanding better conditions and medical care, because apparently those are controversial asks.

Saturday morning brought a special treat: a small group of rightwing counterprotesters in Trump hats, waving signs and chanting slogans in support of ICE. Because nothing says 'supporting law and order' like yelling at hungry, detained people across a police barricade.

Friday night was a real party, with state police firing teargas canisters and pepper ball pellets at anti-ICE protesters, and even bringing in horses to drive protesters back. Because nothing says 'peaceful protest' like a cavalry charge. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Friday afternoon that state officials would take over policing outside the facility from ICE, and state police then tried to set up a 'protected speech zone' - which sounds like something from a dystopian novel, but here we are.

Top Trump officials were thrilled. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin tweeted his thanks to Governor Sherrill for 'cooperating with us to help restore law and order,' while also reminding everyone that 'No one has the right to RIOT and ASSAULT law enforcement.' Because teargassing protesters is totally fine, but don't you dare throw a punch. Mullin also expressed hope to 'work together to remove the worst of the worst from New Jersey communities,' which is a nice way to describe people who are striking for basic human decency.

Meanwhile, the strikers inside have been enduring retaliation from ICE and facility guards. On Thursday, guards pepper-sprayed a group of immigrants who tried to stop guards from removing a detainee who was helping translate for other strikers. The facility, run by Geo Group, one of the biggest private prison companies in the US, confirmed the incident, calling it a response to 'a physical altercation involving detainees.' Because helping a translator is apparently a physical altercation.

On Saturday, supporters of the strikers outnumbered the counterprotesters, some of whom were members of the far-right Proud Boys. Because of course they were. The scene also featured state troopers, Newark police, county sheriff officers, and special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, all making sure the 'protected speech zone' was very well guarded.

One of the strikers' main demands is to meet with Governor Sherrill. She was turned away from the facility this week. So much for that partnership.