New Jersey to investigate ICE center after three migrant deaths; probes possible abuses

New Jersey's Attorney General has launched an investigation into the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, operated by GEO Group for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following the deaths of three migrants in less than a year.

The Division of Civil Rights has issued subpoenas to determine if any actions or omissions by GEO Group employees violated detainees' civil rights. This investigation is prompted by reports of "alarming conditions and recent deaths" at the facility. Detainees have previously spoken out about "dangerous conditions," including medical neglect and inadequate food, which led to a strike in May and June. Following the strike, the private operator began transferring detainees to other centers nationwide.

"New Jersey has a legal and moral duty to defend the civil rights of people in our state. For individuals detained, including those in the custody of a private corporation like GEO Group, those rights include the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care," stated Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. The investigation aims to ensure these fundamental rights are upheld.

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

Two of the deceased migrants have been identified: Jean Wilson Brutus, a Haitian who died in December, and Edwin López Cornejo, from El Salvador, who died the previous weekend. A third migrant died in late July, and their identity has not yet been released. A small tribute at the center commemorates Brutus and López Cornejo.

If the investigation uncovers violations, the Attorney General's Office will pursue relevant civil enforcement actions under New Jersey's Civil Rights Act and Law Against Discrimination. Davenport urged individuals with relevant experiences to come forward to aid the investigation and ensure the protection of rights.

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We will take all legal measures 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 guarantee the protection of their rights