New Jersey investigates ICE detention center over alleged civil rights violations

New Jersey's Attorney General has launched an investigation into the Delaney Hall immigration detention center, operated by GEO Group for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Newark. The probe aims to determine if civil rights were violated following three reported deaths of immigrants at the facility within the past year.

The Division of Civil Rights has issued initial subpoenas as part of the investigation, focusing on whether actions or omissions by GEO Group employees contributed to the alleged violations. This comes after detainees reported "dangerous conditions," including claims of medical neglect, insufficient food, and generally inhumane treatment. These reports led to a strike by detainees between May and June.

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New Jersey has a legal and moral duty to defend the civil rights of people in our state. For people in detention, including those in the custody of a private corporation like GEO Group, those rights include the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care.

In response to the strike and ongoing concerns, GEO Group began transferring detainees to other facilities across the country. The detainees reportedly ended their protest due to fear of retaliation, isolation, and forced transfers. The first death at Delaney Hall occurred in December, followed by the death of Salvadoran immigrant Edwin López Cornejo last weekend, and another unidentified immigrant in late July.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport stated the state has a legal and moral duty to protect civil rights, including the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care for individuals in detention, even those held by private corporations. If violations are found, the state will pursue civil enforcement actions under its Civil Rights Act and Law Against Discrimination. The investigation is proceeding concurrently with a lawsuit filed by the New Jersey Department of Health against GEO Group to compel access for state health inspections.

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We will take all legal actions at our disposal to protect these fundamental legal principles. We ask individuals to share their personal experiences with us so that we can take action to ensure their rights are protected.