New Jersey has initiated a civil rights investigation at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Newark. This follows a series of detainee deaths, protests, and claims about inadequate medical care. The state Division on Civil Rights aims to determine whether GEO Group, the facility’s operator, violated detainees’ civil rights. Attorney General Jennifer Davenport’s office announced that subpoenas have been issued as part of this investigation.
Attorney General Davenport stated, “New Jersey has a legal and moral duty to uphold the civil rights of people in our State. For detained individuals, including those held by private companies like GEO Group, those rights include humane treatment and adequate medical care. We will use all available legal avenues to protect these core principles.” Yolanda N. Melville, Division on Civil Rights Director, added, “Ensuring civil rights in all settings, especially where individuals are vulnerable, is a fundamental responsibility. Our investigation will be thorough, impartial, and based on New Jersey’s legal standards.”
The investigation arose amidst increased scrutiny of Delaney Hall. Allegations include inadequate medical treatment and other poor conditions, sparking public attention. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, GEO Group, and Attorney General Davenport for comments.
What Occurred at Delaney Hall?
One focal point is the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a Salvadoran detained at Delaney Hall since June. He was the 22nd person to die in ICE custody in a year, and the second at this facility. Nationwide, over 50 detainees have died, according to Reuters. ICE reported that Lopez-Cornejo suffered a medical emergency on August 1 and died at University Hospital in Newark. His family questions if he received necessary medical attention. They claim Lopez-Cornejo, who had diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy, did not get required treatments despite showing symptoms.
Previously, Jean Wilson Brutus, a 41-year-old Haitian national, died in December 2025 after a medical emergency at Delaney Hall. Originally described by ICE as death due to natural causes, the medical examiner later identified a pulmonary embolism as the cause.
Protests and Public Pressure
Poor conditions at Delaney Hall have sparked protests both inside and outside the facility. Demonstrations have drawn substantial crowds and led to confrontations with law enforcement. Earlier this year, hundreds of detainees initiated a hunger and labor strike, contesting issues such as food quality and medical care. These protests increased political pressure on ICE and GEO Group, demanding greater oversight of Delaney Hall.
A woman was injured by a vehicle during a Father’s Day protest at Delaney Hall. She plans to take legal action against federal immigration authorities and the private prison contractor managing the site.
ICE Detainees’ Rights
Individuals held in immigration detention have significant legal rights. Although mostly a civil process, detainees are covered by ICE standards on medical care, legal access, communication, complaints, and other areas. ICE’s 2025 National Detention Standards mandate facilities to provide appropriate medical, dental, and mental health care, including emergency services, at no charge. Detainees must receive necessary treatments and timely responses to medical issues as outlined by the guidelines.
“ICE has obligations under the U.S. Constitution and other laws to ensure detained individuals receive humane treatment, are protected from harm, are provided proper medical and mental health care, and receive entitled rights and protections,” state the guidelines.
Medical Care
According to ICE, health care programs and medical facilities fall under a Health Services Administrator (HSA) or Clinical Medical Authority (CMA). When the HSA is not a physician, clinical judgment decisions are made by the designated CMA. Facilities should employ sufficient medical staff for basic exams and treatments for all detainees.
The Institute for Health Policy and Leadership notes, “While ICE detention is civil, not criminal, detainees are nonetheless in government custody and cannot access external treatment. Constitutional due process, ICE standards, disability law, and federal oversight require the government to provide medical, dental, and mental health care.” The foundation of this requirement is the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
Legal Representation and Access
ICE’s guidelines specify that detainees must have access to legal resources. Facility handbooks should provide details on available services like legal library access and visitation. Detainees, even in disciplinary segregation, must maintain telephone access for emergencies, legal calls, and communications with government offices.
While detainees can hire their own attorneys or seek nonprofit assistance, the government is not obligated to provide legal representation free of charge. ICE standards permit attorney visits and confidential consultations. Effective communication with family members through approved systems is another detainee entitlement. Facilities must enable contact with family and friends within operational limits and foster detainee morale and family relations.
Filing Complaints
Detainees can file grievances regarding the facility conditions, treatments, or staff conduct. ICE facilities must have policies for complaint procedures, ensuring supervisory reviews and protection from reprisal. Accommodations for detainees with limited English proficiency or disabilities must also be provided.