The Department of Homeland Security is publicly disputing a series of claims about conditions and operations at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall immigration detention facility, accusing critics and some media outlets of promoting narratives that are “not based on fact or reality.”
In a series of statements posted Thursday, DHS rejected allegations involving medical care, hunger strikes, detainee treatment, custody deaths, and law enforcement tactics during recent protests outside the Newark facility.
The agency’s response comes as Delaney Hall remains at the center of national attention amid protests, political criticism, and allegations from immigrant-rights advocates regarding conditions inside the detention center.
DHS Denies Claims of Inadequate Medical Care
One of the most prominent allegations raised by critics involves healthcare services provided to detainees.
DHS rejected those claims, stating that comprehensive healthcare is available to individuals held in ICE custody.
“CLAIM: There is a lack of medical care for illegal aliens detained at Delaney,” the department wrote.
“FACT: It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available.”
The department did not provide additional facility-specific medical data in its public statement.
Agency Says No Hunger Strike Is Occurring
DHS also disputed reports and social media claims suggesting detainees at Delaney Hall are participating in a hunger strike.
“CLAIM: There is an ongoing hunger strike among the inmates at Delaney,” the agency said.
“FACT: There is NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall. All detainees are provided with 3 meals a day. Meals are certified by dietitians.”
The statement follows weeks of public debate over food quality and nutrition inside the facility.
Recently released menus from Delaney Hall show detainees are scheduled to receive three daily meals that include eggs, chicken, beef, vegetables, beans, salads, fruit, bread products, desserts, coffee, and milk throughout the week.
Key Points
• DHS says allegations about Delaney Hall are “not based on fact or reality.”
• The agency denies claims involving inadequate medical care, hunger strikes, detainee abuse, and excessive force against protesters.
• Delaney Hall remains a focal point of immigration protests and political controversy in New Jersey.
DHS Rejects Claims About Custody Deaths
The department also challenged assertions that deaths in ICE custody have reached unprecedented levels during the Trump administration.
“CLAIM: ICE custody deaths have reached a record high under the Trump Administration.”
“FACT: There has been NO spike in deaths.”
According to DHS, detention-related death rates remain consistent with historical levels and account for approximately 0.009% of the detained population.
The agency noted that overall detention populations have increased alongside expanded bed capacity, which can affect raw totals without changing underlying rates.
Pepper Ball Allegations Disputed
Another area of contention involves recent demonstrations outside Delaney Hall.
Some protesters and elected officials alleged individuals were struck by pepper ball projectiles during confrontations with law enforcement.
DHS denied those claims.
“CLAIM: Protesters at Delaney Hall, including U.S. Senator Andy Kim, were shot with pepper balls.”
“FACT: No individuals were directly struck by pepper ball projectiles.”
The department said officers responded after demonstrators obstructed law enforcement personnel attempting to leave the facility and that crowd-control measures were implemented following repeated warnings.
DHS Says Detainees Were Not Attacked
The agency also rejected allegations that ICE personnel physically assaulted detainees inside the facility.
“CLAIM: ICE personnel at Delaney Hall have physically attacked detainees, including with the use of pepper spray.”
“FACT: No detainees were beaten or attacked by ICE.”
According to DHS, officers responded to a physical altercation involving detainees on May 28 and used what the department described as the minimum force necessary to restore order.
The agency said all detainees involved were evaluated by medical personnel afterward and that no serious injuries were reported.
Battle Over Public Perception Continues
The statements highlight the widening gap between federal officials and critics over what is occurring inside Delaney Hall.
Advocates, protesters, and some elected officials have cited detainee accounts and allegations involving healthcare, food quality, and treatment by staff. DHS, meanwhile, argues many of the most widely circulated claims are inaccurate and unsupported by evidence.
The dispute has transformed Delaney Hall from a regional detention facility into one of the most closely watched immigration detention centers in the country.
With ongoing protests, federal investigations, political scrutiny, and competing narratives from both sides, Delaney Hall is likely to remain at the center of the national immigration debate for the foreseeable future.
