Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has opened a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, escalating the state’s battle with the private immigration detention facility following reports of troubling conditions and several detainee deaths.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights has issued investigative subpoenas to determine whether actions or inaction by employees of The GEO Group, which owns and operates the Newark facility, violated detainees’ rights.
“New Jersey has both a legal and a moral duty to stand up for the civil rights of people within our state,” Davenport said. “For people who are held involuntarily, including by a private corporation like GEO Group, those rights include the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care. We will take every action available under law to safeguard these core legal principles. We ask individuals to share their personal experiences with us so that we can take action to ensure that rights are protected.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who has called for Delaney Hall to close, said GEO Group and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have blocked the state’s attempts to inspect the facility.
“Today, the Attorney General announced a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, a private detention facility operated by The GEO Group.” Sherrill stated. “Since the facility is stonewalling efforts for real oversight, this is the right and necessary course of action.
Sherrill pointed to reports of “disturbing conditions” and said she’s been “heartbroken by recent deaths of detainees at the facility.”
“ICE and The GEO Group have continued to block our efforts for a full health inspection, and there are now reports that visitations have been stopped. We will not tolerate a facility that abdicates any transparency and accountability. I have long opposed private detention facilities, and my position is clear that Delaney Hall should be closed.” She said. “My administration will continue to do everything in our power to hold ICE and The GEO Group accountable to New Jersey laws.”
The investigation comes as litigation continues between the Department of Health and GEO Group. Davenport filed a lawsuit on behalf of the department in June seeking a court order requiring the company to admit state health inspectors.
If investigators uncover violations, the Attorney General’s Office could pursue civil enforcement under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and the state Law Against Discrimination.
“Ensuring that civil rights are upheld in all environments — particularly in settings where individuals may be vulnerable — is a fundamental responsibility,” said Yolanda Melville, the Division on Civil Rights director. “Our investigation will be thorough, impartial, and guided by the requirements and protections established by New Jersey law.”
The division is asking detainees, employees and others with relevant information to contact its Affirmative Enforcement Unit.