New Jersey health officials have filed a lawsuit demanding immediate entry to the Delaney Hall immigration detention center, citing fears of disease outbreaks and inadequate medical care. The lawsuit follows inspectors being denied full access to the facility, including medical units and sleeping areas, despite growing complaints from detainees and lawyers.
Hunger Strike and Protests
Detainees at Delaney Hall have been on a nearly two-week-long hunger strike, protesting alleged rotting food, due process violations, lack of legal counsel, and retaliation from ICE agents for their ongoing strike actions. The facility, operated by GEO Group, has faced daily protests, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement resulting in 61 arrests.
Health Concerns
Concerns include reports of high COVID-19 and flu spread, untreated conditions for detainees with serious illnesses, and a pregnant detainee allegedly denied full obstetrics care. Officials, including Governor Mikie Sherrill, have called for the facility's closure. The lawsuit seeks immediate court-ordered access to assess and address health risks, including inadequate tuberculosis controls.
