New Jersey Congress Members Demand Transparency at ICE Detention Facility

On Friday, three Democratic members of Congress made headlines when they forcefully entered a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Their goal was clear: to conduct an oversight visit and address concerns over the treatment of detainees.

Representatives Rob Menendez Jr., Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver sought access to the Delaney Hall detention center, currently holding individuals accused of serious criminal offenses including alleged killers and gang members.

Upon their arrival, the lawmakers stood outside alongside a group of protestors. They seized the opportunity when an ICE bus arrived, rushing through the gates and past security personnel stationed at the facility.

Activists Call for Inspection

In the past week, activists have been vocal about their demands for entry into the detention center, claiming that the new owner, the GEO Group, has been unlawfully denying inspections. They raised alarms about potential human rights violations occurring within the facility.

“We’re at Delaney Hall, an ICE prison that opened without permission from the city and in violation of local ordinances,” Coleman shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve heard stories about conditions in other ICE facilities, and we’re here to see it for ourselves.”

Legislators Advocate for Dignity

McIver added that the “lack of transparency surrounding ICE’s operations at this facility is unacceptable. People deserve dignity and we need answers.” Their statements reflect a growing concern among legislators and advocates about the treatment of individuals held in ICE custody.

In a press conference held on Monday, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka criticized the GEO Group’s operations. He stated that the organization mirrors the administration’s approach of ignoring laws and regulations, asserting that they act like they can operate above local and national legal standards.

Legal Actions Against GEO Group

The controversy deepens with a lawsuit filed on behalf of the City of Newark, alleging that GEO Group has not allowed safety inspectors entry and failed to comply with city construction codes. This includes accusations of undertaking electrical and plumbing renovations without the necessary permits.

The legal claim emphasizes the potential risks to both the individuals housed within the facility and the broader community surrounding it. By bypassing essential oversight, the facility’s management raises significant concerns regarding safety and compliance.

Call for Change

The actions taken by these lawmakers are part of a larger movement advocating for increased scrutiny of detention facilities across the nation. With a growing chorus of voices from various communities and organizations, the demand for humane treatment of detainees is gaining momentum.

As these representatives continue to push for greater transparency, the situation at Delaney Hall reflects the broader debates surrounding immigration policy and detention practices in the United States.

The pressure on ICE and private detention centers like GEO Group is palpable, as community leaders and activists rally for oversight and reform. The message is clear: accountability and respect for human rights are non-negotiable in any discussion about immigration and detention.

As this story develops, the actions of Congress members may serve as a pivotal moment in the fight for dignity and transparency in the immigration system.