Health officials in New Jersey are suing the private prison firm that operates a controversial immigration detention center, where detainees have been on strike for nearly two weeks amid ongoing protests over deteriorating conditions. The lawsuit from the New Jersey Department of Health demands immediate entry to Delaney Hall, alleging that investigators were denied full access despite growing complaints of overcrowded and inhumane conditions, including potentially inadequate tuberculosis infection control practices.
Inspectors Blocked from Full Access
Inspectors first attempted to enter Delaney Hall on May 27 but were barred from full access, according to a civil complaint filed on Tuesday. Health officials were prevented from inspecting the medical unit, toilets, shower facilities, and sleeping areas. The state health department stated it is unable to determine whether GEO Group and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are taking sufficient precautions to mitigate the serious risk of communicable diseases to detainees and the public.
Background of the Facility
The 1,000-bed, two-story detention center opened on May 1, 2025, and is operated by private prison contractor GEO Group under a 15-year, $1 billion contract awarded by the Trump administration. State health inspections are designed to detect conditions that could facilitate the transmission of foodborne, airborne, or other communicable diseases. If unchecked, an outbreak could impact not only detainees but also the broader public through employees and visitors.
Health Concerns Escalate
Public health concerns reached a tipping point last month when a letter signed by roughly 300 detainees alleged high spread of COVID-19 and flu, while detainees with HIV, cancer, diabetes, and heart problems were left untreated. Members of Congress who visited the facility reported complaints about rotting food and lack of medical care. Democratic Senator Andy Kim noted that a pregnant detainee had not received obstetrics and gynecological care, and another detainee managed a miscarriage on her own.
On May 28, state health officials received a complaint from a physician about a detainee from Delaney Hall brought to University Hospital with an active case of tuberculosis. Inspectors were allowed inside that day after several previous attempts were denied, but were told they could only inspect food service areas.
Legal and Political Reactions
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill stated, "If the GEO Group — with a $1 billion government contract — has nothing to hide and the conditions inside Delaney Hall are as safe and as sanitary as they claim, then there is no legitimate reason why my health inspectors are being kept from full access." The lawsuit follows a push from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to widen a federal lawsuit against GEO Group. Sherrill and other elected officials are urging ICE to close the facility.
The Independent has requested comment from GEO Group. Homeland Security has denied allegations of abuse and overcrowding, with Secretary Markwayne Mullin dismissing reports of a hunger strike as detainees complaining about lack of "ethnic food." He said, "Well, they can go back to their country and get whatever food they want. We’re giving them the calories they want. This isn’t Holiday Inn."
Protests and Arrests
Tensions outside the facility have led to violent clashes, with state police beating back protesters. At least 61 people were arrested on Sunday night, and the Newark Police Department took command of the response on Monday.
