Reviving Controversy: ICE to Reopen Immigration Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey This Spring

NEWARK, New Jersey – ICE is set to reopen an immigration detention facility in Newark this spring. Delaney Hall, which was used as a detention center from 2011 to 2017, will once again serve this function under the Trump administration.

This for-profit facility is the largest in the area, with over 1,000 beds. The federal government has awarded a contract for it to become a federal immigration processing and detention center. Acting ICE Director Caleb Vitello emphasized that its size and location near a major airport will help meet the president’s goals for immigration control.

Amy Torres of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice pointed out that this facility is one of the biggest on the East Coast. Recent ICE raids in Newark have increased concerns within the local immigrant community. One notable incident involved ICE detaining a U.S. citizen and a veteran during a raid at a local market.

Local advocates and leaders are voicing their worries, criticizing the expansion of detention facilities and questioning the motives behind it. Senator Cory Booker remarked that the $1 billion contract with GEO Group, announced on the same day as their earnings report, raises suspicions about prioritizing profit over community safety and meaningful immigration reform.

Torres noted that GEO Group was a major donor to the Trump campaign, highlighting the connection between campaign financing and the push for private detention centers. The ACLU of New Jersey has also responded, calling this increase in detention capacity a threat, labeling it as unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has expressed strong opposition, stating that ICE cannot open the facility without meeting necessary city requirements and permits. He firmly believes that an immigration detention center is not welcome in Newark.

Delaney Hall has not been a detention center since 2017; it has been used as a drug treatment center managed by GEO Group. The facility is currently embroiled in a lawsuit linked to the death of a man while he was held there.

As of now, no specific date has been set for its reopening to house ICE detainees.

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