UMVA has learned that a heated dispute has erupted between Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and the New Jersey State Police over the tactics used to secure the scene outside Delaney Hall, a detention center in Newark.
The controversy began after Governor Mikie Sherrill ordered the State Police to secure the area, which had become a focal point for protests over allegations of physical and psychological torture against detainees. Clashes broke out on Friday when protesters defied an order to relocate to a designated "First Amendment zone."
Mayor Baraka, a fellow Democrat, expressed his disagreement with the State Police's tactics, describing the agency as "a sword" that can cause harm if not used carefully. He emphasized that he supported the governor's decision to take action but questioned the methods employed by the State Police.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Baraka stressed the need for larger discussions about tactics on the ground, involving local authorities, public safety officials, and health departments. He also highlighted the city's active litigation against GEO Group, the operators of Delaney Hall, over code ordinance violations and alleged mistreatment of detainees.
The city of Newark has been fighting for the immediate closure of Delaney Hall, citing serious health and safety risks. Baraka revealed that the city would expand its lawsuit against GEO Group to address allegations of detainees suffering miscarriages, receiving inadequate medical care, and psychological abuse.
Newark Business Administrator Eric Pennington announced that the city had requested access to Delaney Hall to inspect the facility and ensure the health and safety of detainees. If GEO Group denies access, the city plans to work with state health officials to shut down the facility until it can be deemed safe.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that tensions between the city and GEO Group are escalating, with the city preparing to take further action in court. The situation remains volatile, with protests and demonstrations expected to continue in the coming days.
