NEWARK, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Mikie Sherrill and other New Jersey politicians were denied access on Monday to an immigration detention facility.
Sherrill released a statement saying her request to access Delaney Hall in Newark was formally denied Monday morning, “raising serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view.” There are about 300 detainees at that facility, many complaining of poor conditions and spoiled food. Protesters clashed with ICE agents around 1 a.m. Monday.
A hunger strike is underway; family members were also denied access, and visitation hours were canceled.
Sherrill said she went there to hear from families and advocates, and what she did hear was “heartbreaking.”
Sherrill, the first sitting governor to visit the facility, said she will continue to hold ICE accountable and push for the closure of Delaney Hall. Sen. Andy Kim and representatives Rob Menendez, Nellie Pou, LaMonica McIver, and Analilia Mejia joined her.
Menendez shared on Facebook that he arrived at the hall Sunday night to conduct an unannounced oversight visit after hearing a constituent was facing potential transfer or deportation for his role in a recent strike. He was denied entry but remained on site throughout the night; he was told he’d be allowed in at 8 a.m., but ICE keeps denying entry, he said.
"The people inside Delaney Hall are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and members of our community. In New Jersey, we believe in the rule of law and that everyone deserves to be treated with basic dignity. We have a duty to safeguard the rights, health, and well-being of everyone within our borders," Sherrill said.
Stay with KYW Newsradio as this story develops.
A hunger strike is underway at the private Newark facility
A hunger strike is underway at the private Newark facility
