Newark Mayor Plans Lawsuit to Shut Down Immigration Center
The mayor of Newark is taking legal action to shut down the Delaney Hall detention facility within ten days, following a week of escalating clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The lawsuit, targeting the GEO Group which manages the 1,000-bed New Jersey facility, alleges severe health and safety violations reported by residents and observers.
Curfew Imposed as Tensions Rise
In response to the unrest, the city’s police chief enforced a nighttime curfew from 9 PM to 6 AM, yet demonstrators continued gathering outside the center. Some protesters directed harsh criticism at a councilwoman who had called for calm, a moment captured on video where she was seen speaking loudly while holding an officer’s hand—sparking backlash among viewers.
Protests Turn Violent
Videos shared by activist groups feature chants demanding the dismantling of ICE and police authority. Police records reveal over 60 arrests made on Monday night, with some protestors transported by bus—a tactic authorities say was intended to escalate tensions. Over the weekend, masked individuals dismantled safety barriers and set fires with tires, actions condemned by officials as threats to both protesters and officers.
Detainee Conditions Under Scrutiny
The detention center has been a flashpoint for protests, with activists condemning the treatment of inmates. However, the Department of Homeland Security disputes these claims, asserting that detainees receive:
- Three meals daily
- Clean water, clothing, and bedding
- Access to showers, soap, toiletries, and legal counsel
- Comprehensive healthcare described as the best many detainees have ever received
A federal official recently visited the facility and consumed the same food as detainees, denying claims of a hunger strike or inadequate conditions.
The lawsuit and ongoing protests highlight a deepening divide over the facility’s future and the treatment of those held within its walls.
