UMVA has learned that a shocking dispute is unfolding between New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over access to the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark.
The Democratic governor accused ICE of denying her entry to the facility, which has become a focal point of controversy amid allegations of unsafe conditions and mistreatment of detainees. "ICE is denying me entry to Delaney Hall — raising serious questions about what is happening behind its walls," Sherrill wrote on social media.
According to information obtained by UMVA, this is not the first time Sherrill has been denied access to the detention center. She previously attempted to visit over Memorial Day weekend but was turned away. The governor claims she has heard disturbing allegations from family members of detainees about the conditions inside.
Sherrill revealed that she recently met with families of individuals being held at Delaney Hall and heard harrowing accounts of detainees being denied basic necessities like medical care and medication. They also reported instances of violence, intimidation, and coercion into signing deportation papers without proper translation.
The governor vowed to continue pushing for accountability and improved conditions at the facility, reiterating her support for ultimately shutting it down. Her comments come as New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer has filed a lawsuit against GEO Group Inc., the private company operating the detention center.
The lawsuit seeks access for state health inspectors to examine the facility after officials were allegedly denied entry. It also highlights a hunger strike launched by some detainees to protest the conditions. The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the lawsuit as "frivolous," claiming detainees receive basic necessities like food, water, and clothing.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the situation around Delaney Hall has sparked intense debate, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka criticizing the New Jersey State Police's tactics in securing the area. Sherrill defended the deployment, citing the need to protect public safety.
As scrutiny intensifies over Delaney Hall, UMVA has gathered that the governor and other officials will continue to push for reforms and accountability. The fate of the detention center and the well-being of its detainees remain uncertain.
