Newark to Sue for Closure of ICE Immigrant Detention Center

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka declared that the city intends to pursue legal action to shut down the Delaney Hall immigration detention center. The facility, operated by private company Geo Group, has recently become a focal point for protests against the administration's immigration policies.

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We are going to take measures to 'expand and reinforce' the case that already exists against Geo Group, so that they close it.

Baraka stated that the city will "expand and reinforce" an existing case against Geo Group, asserting that the company violated municipal and state laws when it opened Delaney Hall. "It has no grounds to remain open, so it should be closed for the reasons we initially stated. Furthermore, we will argue that it must be closed for the health and safety of the people," the mayor explained at a press conference.

The move comes after approximately 300 immigrants held at the center initiated a hunger strike, alleging inhumane conditions. Reports include claims of "scarce and worm-infested food" and a woman who suffered a "miscarriage without receiving necessary medical attention." Mayor Baraka emphasized, "This is a controversy that affects human lives, the treatment dispensed to people... We respect fundamental human rights. In these institutions, people must be treated humanely, and we believe that is not happening."

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We believe that the way Geo Group opened Delaney Hall infringed municipal and state laws from the beginning. It has no grounds to remain open, so it should be closed for the reasons we initially stated. Furthermore, we will argue that it must be closed for the health and safety of the people.

The lawsuit will initially target Geo Group, as the mayor believes the private entity has the most direct power to close the facility. Baraka also indicated plans to lift a weekend curfew imposed to manage protests outside the center, suggesting it could be removed by Tuesday or Wednesday.

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This is a controversy that affects human lives, the treatment dispensed to people… We respect fundamental human rights. In these institutions, people must be treated humanely, and we believe that is not happening.