Newark's Controversial ICE Detention Facility Sparks Protests and Legal Battles
Newark's Mayor Ras Baraka protests the reopening of the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, citing permit issues and safety violations.
Overview
The Delaney Hall ICE detention center, recently reopened in Newark, faces protests from Mayor Ras Baraka who claims it is operating without proper permits and poses safety risks. Baraka, embroiled in a legal battle with the GEO Group, which operates the facility under a $1 billion contract, demands compliance with local laws. The situation highlights a divisive national immigration policy debate and Baraka's push for inspections amid concerns over detainee safety. GEO Group counters that they are compliant and dismisses Baraka's actions as politically motivated as he vies for a gubernatorial nomination.
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Analysis
- The opening of Delaney Hall in Newark illustrates a stark divide between the Trump administration's immigration policies and opposition from local Democratic officials, including Mayor Ras Baraka, who question the legality and necessity of such measures.
- The GEO Group, which operates the facility, claims to be in compliance with health and safety regulations and asserts the detention center will generate significant economic benefits for the local area.
- The situation underscores a broader debate on immigration enforcement and human rights, particularly around the principles of due process as articulated by Mayor Baraka during his protests against the facility.
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
Mayor Ras Baraka and the City of Newark claim that the Delaney Hall facility is operating without proper permits and has obstructed safety inspectors from entering, violating the city's construction regulations related to electrical and plumbing work without adequate oversight.
Inspections identified several safety issues at Delaney Hall related to plumbing, fire codes, and electricity. While the severity of the violations was not fully clear, Mayor Baraka indicated that some violations posed risks to first responders, detainees, and workers.
GEO Group denies the allegations, asserting compliance with all regulations and dismissing the mayor's actions as politically motivated. They emphasize the economic benefits of the facility, such as creating hundreds of unionized jobs, and reject claims that they are obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
ICE began housing detainees at Delaney Hall on May 1, 2025. The facility has a capacity of 1,000 beds and is part of a 15-year contract with GEO Group, expected to generate about $60 million in annual revenue.
The reopening of Delaney Hall reflects a national debate over immigration policy and enforcement under the current administration. Newark Mayor Baraka's legal and protest efforts highlight local concerns about legality, safety, and community impact, while ICE and GEO Group aim to expand detention capacity to fulfill federal immigration enforcement goals.
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