Four detainees have escaped from the Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. This facility, managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), holds individuals facing deportation. The escape was reported late Thursday, and federal authorities are currently investigating the situation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the escape and has requested help from local law enforcement to locate the detainees. They encourage anyone with information to report it through 911 or ICE’s tip line.
One detainee’s wife shared her concerns after receiving a call from her husband about unrest in the facility and poor living conditions. She rushed to Delaney Hall, worried for his safety.
This incident follows previous turmoil at Delaney Hall. In May, protests erupted over allegations of inhumane treatment, leading to charges against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver. She faces assault charges stemming from her attempts to check on conditions at the facility. The 2019 appropriations bill allows Congress members to visit federal facilities without prior notice, emphasizing their oversight role.
McIver expressed serious concerns about reports of mistreatment. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also arrested during a visit to Delaney Hall but later had the charges dropped. He criticized the lack of oversight in private facilities, calling it a threat to fundamental rights.
As local and state authorities continue their search for the escapees, the situation raises questions about the treatment of detainees and the accountability of private detention centers. These centers, often criticized for their conditions, highlight ongoing debates about immigration policy and human rights.
If you want to learn more about the issues surrounding immigration detention facilities, you can explore the detailed reports from the American Civil Liberties Union.