NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against The GEO Group Inc., seeking full access for state health inspectors to Delaney Hall, the immigration detention center in Newark that has drawn complaints about conditions inside the facility.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport filed the lawsuit after the New Jersey Department of Health said inspectors were blocked from conducting a full inspection of the facility, which is operated by GEO Group.
The lawsuit asks Superior Court in Essex County to order GEO Group to allow Department of Health inspectors full access to Delaney Hall for a complete inspection under state law. The state is also seeking an expedited injunction.
“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 this private corporation and the Trump Administration claim, then there is no legitimate reason why my health inspectors are being kept from full access throughout the building,” said Governor Sherrill. “The people of New Jersey deserve transparency and accountability, and I will continue using all the power of this office to advocate for the detainees and their families.”
The lawsuit comes after some detainees began a hunger strike May 22 to protest conditions at the facility. Officials said complaints have included reports of spoiled or rotten food, lack of access to basic hygiene products, concerns about medical care and allegations of illness spreading inside the facility.
On May 28, Department of Health inspectors were allowed inside Delaney Hall for a limited inspection, but state officials said they were barred from inspecting key areas, including the medical unit, sleeping areas, and bathing and toileting areas.
State officials said the department has made repeated requests for full access since then, but GEO Group has not allowed a complete inspection.
“GEO Group must allow our state’s health inspectors to conduct a full inspection of Delaney Hall. The reports of unsanitary and unsafe conditions inside Delaney Hall are extremely concerning, and GEO Group — like any other business and facility in New Jersey — must follow the law,” said Attorney General Davenport. “I will continue working with Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Washington to ensure that people detained inside Delaney Hall are treated with dignity and humanity.”
The state said an inspection would allow health officials to determine whether conditions or practices inside Delaney Hall pose a risk to detainees, employees, contractors, visitors or the public. Officials cited concerns about food safety, ventilation, hygiene and the possible spread of communicable diseases.
State officials said the Department of Health received a report in late May about a detainee taken to University Hospital with tuberculosis.
“Any facility housing people in New Jersey must meet basic standards under the law to prevent the spread of disease, keep food and water safe, and minimize health risks. That includes Delaney Hall,” said Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington. “The New Jersey Department of Health takes seriously its mission to safeguard the health and well-being of everyone in this state. Health inspections are not political — they are essential public health tools that help ensure no one in New Jersey is housed in dangerous or unsanitary conditions.”
According to the state, the health commissioner has authority under state law to enter and inspect public and private detention centers and to have full access to premises when there is reason to believe a violation may be occurring.
The lawsuit alleges GEO Group violated state law by refusing to allow a full inspection of Delaney Hall.
