TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office has opened a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark, to determine whether detainees’ legal rights have been violated.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) has issued investigative subpoenas to gather information regarding conditions at the facility, which is owned and operated by The GEO Group Inc.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation will examine whether “any action or inaction by GEO Group employees violated the civil rights of people detained at the facility,” following reports of “alarming conditions and recent deaths.”
State seeks information from current and former detainees
The Attorney General’s Office is asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the Division on Civil Rights’ Affirmative Enforcement Unit.
“New Jersey has a legal and a moral duty to stand up for the civil rights of people in our State,” Davenport said. “For detained individuals, including those held by a private corporation like GEO Group, those rights include the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care.”
She added, “We will take every action available under law to safeguard these core legal principles. We ask individuals to share their personal experiences with us so that we can take action to ensure that rights are protected.”
The investigation is civil in nature. Officials said if evidence of violations is found, the state could pursue enforcement actions under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
Investigation follows ongoing legal dispute over facility inspections
The announcement comes as the Attorney General’s Office continues separate litigation on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Health seeking a court order requiring GEO Group to allow state health inspectors access to Delaney Hall.
Division on Civil Rights Director Yolanda N. Melville said the agency’s review will be conducted without prejudice.
“Ensuring that civil rights are upheld in all environments — particularly in settings where individuals may be vulnerable — is a fundamental responsibility,” Melville said. “Our investigation will be thorough, impartial, and guided by the requirements and protections established by New Jersey law.”
The Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation is intended to determine whether state civil rights laws have been violated and has not reached any conclusions regarding GEO Group or Delaney Hall.
Key Points
- New Jersey has launched a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark.
- The state is examining reports of alarming conditions and recent detainee deaths.
- Investigators are seeking information from individuals with firsthand knowledge of conditions inside the facility.
FAQ
What is Delaney Hall?
Delaney Hall is a privately operated immigration detention facility in Newark owned and operated by The GEO Group.
What is New Jersey investigating?
The Division on Civil Rights is investigating whether actions or inaction by GEO Group employees violated the civil rights of detainees.
Why was the investigation opened?
According to the Attorney General’s Office, it follows reports of alarming conditions and recent deaths at the facility.
Could GEO Group face legal action?
If investigators find evidence of civil rights violations, the state said it could pursue civil enforcement under New Jersey law.
Is there another lawsuit involving Delaney Hall?
Yes. The Attorney General’s Office is separately representing the Department of Health in litigation seeking access to conduct health inspections at the facility.
Source: New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
