Newark Mayor Protests Reopened Detention Center

On Tuesday morning, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka visited the recently reopened ice detention center in his city, asserting that it lacks proper authorization to operate.

Outside Delaney Hall, Baraka and his supporters accused the facility of disregarding local fire inspectors, following a judge’s order that granted city officials the right to assess the site.

“We need them to adhere to our regulations and obey our laws,” Baraka stated, promising to push for the facility’s closure.

As he moves towards a nomination for Governor of New Jersey, Baraka indicated he would persistently protest outside Delaney Hall every day, particularly after the Newark Fire Service reported three code violations against the facility.

He is calling for a thorough fire, safety, and health inspection of the center, citing earlier findings of violations that could jeopardize both first responders and detainees.

In February, ICE awarded a 15-year, $1 billion contract to the GEO Group to manage Delaney Hall, which has a capacity for 1,000 migrants facing deportation.

Currently, the city is pursuing legal action against the facility, demanding clarity on the number of detainees held within its walls.

While local officials maintain that the center still lacks a valid certificate of occupancy, a spokesperson for the GEO Group, Christopher Ferreira, contended that the facility meets all health and safety standards and holds a valid certificate.

Ferreira criticized the city for promoting a “politicized campaign” against Baraka’s administration, suggesting that the mayor aims to obstruct federal efforts regarding the detention and deportation of non-citizens.

Throughout the demonstration, protesters showcased signs advocating for the abolition of ICE and urging an end to deportation flights, alongside calls for the release of individuals wrongfully detained.

The Newark Fire Department issued three violations to the detention center on the same day as the protest.

Both the GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security have yet to respond to inquiries concerning the demonstration.

Baraka is taking the lead in opposing the reopening of Delaney Hall, which had been shut down in 2017 before changes to immigration policies under President Trump.

Recent surveys indicate Baraka is a strong contender in the Democratic primary for governor, placing him third behind Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.