NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey’s nine Democratic members of Congress are calling for the immediate shutdown of the Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Facility in Newark, saying three deaths connected to the facility within the past year raise serious questions about detainee medical care, federal oversight, and transparency.
In a letter sent Thursday to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David J. Venturella, the delegation demanded answers by Aug. 12 and accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement of allowing what they described as a pattern of medical neglect to continue at the GEO Group-operated detention center.
Delegation points to three deaths
The lawmakers said two individuals died while detained at Delaney Hall, while a third died shortly after being released from ICE custody following a medical emergency that reportedly began while inside the facility.
“Three deaths connected to a single detention facility are not isolated incidents. They are a red, flashing warning light that ICE continues to ignore,” the delegation wrote. “We are demanding immediate answers and accountability for this negligence by GEO Group and ICE.”
The letter was signed by Reps. Frank Pallone Jr., Josh Gottheimer, Donald Norcross, Herb Conaway Jr., Robert Menendez, Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver, Bonnie Watson Coleman and Analilia Mejia.
The members cited months of allegations from members of Congress, attorneys, medical advocates, former detainees and New Jersey officials involving delayed emergency treatment, denied or reduced prescription medications, untreated chronic illnesses, infectious disease outbreaks and inadequate care for medically vulnerable detainees.
Lawmakers criticize ICE transparency
The delegation also criticized ICE for rescinding a policy requiring public reporting and congressional notification when a detainee dies within 30 days after release from federal custody.
“That policy existed for a reason: our government’s responsibility does not end at the detention center gate,” the lawmakers wrote. “If a medical crisis begins in federal custody and ends in death after release, the government’s responsibility is not negated simply because the paperwork says the individual was no longer detained.”
The letter also notes that New Jersey previously sued for access to inspect Delaney Hall after state health inspectors were allegedly denied full access, while ICE’s own inspections reportedly identified deficiencies involving detainee care and safety.
“Three deaths, repeated allegations of medical neglect, restricted oversight, and less public transparency are a terrible track record of care for individuals in your custody,” the lawmakers wrote. “At this point, the question is no longer whether ICE knows what is happening inside Delaney Hall. It is, ‘why does ICE continue to allow the GEO Group to put lives at risk?'”
The delegation requested a full accounting of all deaths connected to Delaney Hall since GEO Group assumed operations, mortality reviews, inspection reports, staffing assessments, audits, internal communications regarding medical care, and any disciplinary or contractual action taken against GEO Group.
The lawmakers are also asking DHS to guarantee unrestricted access for members of Congress and New Jersey health officials to housing units, medical facilities, surveillance footage, records and personnel inside the detention center.
The latest congressional action comes as Delaney Hall continues to be one of New Jersey’s most closely watched immigration facilities, with ongoing legal and political battles over conditions inside the Newark detention center.
The lawmakers concluded that the repeated deaths and allegations of inadequate medical care demonstrate the facility is “fundamentally unsafe.”
“Delaney Hall should be closed immediately,” the delegation wrote.
Sources
Congressional letter from New Jersey Democratic delegation to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Office of Rep. Frank Pallone press release; referenced ICE inspection reports and congressional oversight materials.
FAQ
- Why are New Jersey lawmakers calling for Delaney Hall to close?
They cite three deaths connected to the facility, allegations of medical neglect, and concerns about oversight and transparency. - Who operates Delaney Hall?
The Newark immigration detention facility is operated by GEO Group under contract with ICE. - What are lawmakers demanding?
They want records related to the deaths, medical audits, inspections, corrective actions, and unrestricted oversight access to the facility. - Has ICE responded?
The delegation requested a response by Aug. 12, according to the letter.
Key Points
- New Jersey’s nine Democratic House members are seeking the immediate closure of Delaney Hall.
- The lawmakers cite three deaths connected to the Newark ICE detention facility in less than one year.
- Congress is demanding records, inspections and accountability from DHS and ICE.
