New Jersey immigration center resumes family visits after security concerns

Family visits have restarted at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, following advocacy from state officials and pro-immigrant organizations. Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agreed to restore access.

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Law enforcement will help escort families to the facility. It is critical that external actors allow this to happen safely.

The resumption of visits began in a limited capacity on May 31, with a regular schedule returning the following day. Family members must now schedule appointments by phone to gain entry. Governor Sherrill stated that law enforcement would escort families to the facility, emphasizing the need for external actors to ensure safe passage.

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We did not yield to the governor's demands. Visits were suspended because violent disturbances outside the center made it unsafe for our agents, detainees' families, and lawyers to visit the facilities. With Delaney Hall's security under control, ICE operations continue normally.

This measure aims to enhance security after protests and reported damage around the facility. DHS officials indicated that the perimeter's security was secured, enabling the visits. They also clarified that the decision was not a concession to demands, but rather a response to improved safety conditions. "We did not yield to the governor's demands," an DHS official told ABC News. "Visits were suspended because violent disturbances outside the center made it unsafe for our agents, detainees' families, and lawyers to visit the facilities. With Delaney Hall's security under control, ICE operations continue normally."

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I continue to demand that the DHS provide adequate care and medication for all detainees.

Despite celebrating the return of visits, Governor Sherrill highlighted ongoing concerns about Delaney Hall's operations. She continues to urge the DHS to provide adequate care and medication for all detainees. Sherrill also called for transparent immigration procedures and sufficient time for detainees to review their legal cases before making decisions about their status. She demanded that the DHS stop pressuring detainees to sign deportation documents, be transparent about who is being held, and ultimately close the facility.

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Stop pressuring detainees to sign deportation documents, be transparent about who is being held, and ultimately, close this facility.