Newark Mayor to Sue to Close Delaney Hall Detention Center
Newark’s mayor has announced plans to file a lawsuit aimed at closing the Delaney Hall immigration detention center following ten days of protests featuring clashes between activists and law enforcement officials.
Ras Baraka, who is 56, cites health and safety concerns in his legal action against GEO Group, the organization managing the facility which houses around 1,000 detainees. Reports indicate that Baraka is calling attention to the injustices faced by those held there.
“It’s crucial for all of us to stand against the injustices perpetuated by GEO Group and ICE, as well as the significant struggles of the innocent individuals imprisoned at Delaney Hall,” the Democratic mayor expressed.
This announcement coincided with a curfew implemented by Baraka for the protesters, scheduled to last from 9 PM to 6 AM.
Despite the new restrictions, protests persisted outside the detention center, with demonstrators confronting Newark City Council members who were advocating for calm. Videos from the scene show some protesters hurling insults.
One lawmaker thanked the protesters for their presence, but was quickly interrupted by the crowd. “Well, thank you, try something!” shouted one woman, pulling down her mask.
In an unexpected moment, the lawmaker, in an effort to mediate, held hands with a police officer to pray.
“Do whatever you want to do. Like it or not, God got this,” echoed the lawmaker, attempting to rise above the noise.
During a subsequent heated exchange captured in another video, the lawmaker faced accusations of being a ‘fascist mouthpiece.’ Footage shared by a witness also revealed protestors yelling “fuck ICE” and “fuck the police.”
At least 61 individuals were reported arrested on Monday night, with reports indicating that some anti-ICE demonstrators arrived on buses to incite disorder.
Over the weekend, masked activists disrupted barriers established by state police in designated protest zones, using projectiles and even igniting tires in the streets.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill remarked, “These actions endanger both peaceful protesters and law enforcement.”
Protesters have been stationed outside Delaney Hall for over a week, raising awareness about the conditions detainees face.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security have refuted claims regarding the treatment at Delaney Hall. They asserted that there are no hunger strikes or poor living conditions, emphasizing that detainees receive three meals per day, clean water, clothing, and access to medical care.
“For many undocumented immigrants, the medical care they receive here is the best they’ve experienced,” stated a representative.
In a surprise visit made over the weekend, former acting ICE director Tom Homan reported that he even tasted the same food served to the detainees.
