Some families seeking to visit loved ones at Delaney Hall on Sunday said they were turned away, despite the Gov. Mikie Sherrill's statement that visitation would resume following days of unrest outside the facility.
"State and local law enforcement will help to escort families in. It's critical that everyone in the area allow them to do that safely," Sherrill said Sunday morning.
The development follows two nights of clashes between protesters and law enforcement, after more than a week of demonstrations over conditions inside the detention center.
Among those turned away Sunday afternoon was Tatianna, who said she traveled an hour with her 10-month-old twins in hopes of seeing her husband, who has been detained for two months.
“I’ve tried coming with my kids,” she said. “It’s hard to come here and expect a visit, and they’re just saying no to us.”
Tatiana said her husband was taking steps to obtain his visa when he was detained.
“We just want to gain back the visitations, mostly. I’m worried about my husband,” she said. “He was trying to legalize himself in this country. It’s just so frustrating."
News 12 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for clarification about its current visitation policy at Delaney Hall but had not received a response as of Sunday night.
“Either let them free or fix the things that are going on — with the food, with the mistreating them,” Tatiana said. "They wouldn't like one of their family members getting treated this way."