- Protests at Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark are escalating as Gov. Mikie Sherrill emphasizes the need to protect public safety, citing a surge in ICE presence in the area.
- Advocates and elected officials have reported that detainees at Delaney Hall are facing significant issues, with some detained for months without a scheduled hearing, while others are under pressure to sign documents pertaining to their deportation or voluntary departure.
- The Department of Homeland Security has refuted claims of a hunger strike occurring at Delaney Hall, which is operated by the GEO Group.
Protests at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark have reached new heights as Gov. Mikie Sherrill emphasized public safety and the need to prevent potential violence from ICE's increased presence in the area.12
Sherrill's concerns followed reports from advocates claiming mistreatment of detainees.
Numerous advocates allege that individuals have been held for extended periods, without scheduled hearings, leading to claims of systemic abuse.
Some detainees are reportedly pressured into signing documents for >deportation or voluntary departure, raising alarms about the legality of their detentions.3
The Department of Homeland Security has denied allegations of a hunger strike occurring at Delaney Hall, although advocates and officials continue to push for reform.4
These developments signify broader concerns about the treatment of detainees within the immigration system, prompting ongoing protests and calls for action from local and state authorities. Sherrill stated, “I have to protect public safety and to avoid escalation” as tensions mount in Newark, reflecting a contentious backdrop against the immigration policies enforced by ICE.
As the situation continues to unfold, advocates urge swift governmental intervention to safeguard the rights and well-being of those detained.
“Protests have intensified outside Delaney Hall, a privately run ICE facility, where advocates claim detainees face prolonged detention without hearings. Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized the need to protect public safety amidst the situation.”
