New Jersey and Newark officials have intensified legal action to force full state health inspections of Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility in Newark, after reports of poor conditions affecting roughly 300 detainees. The city sued the GEO Group in April 2025 and will expand that litigation to seek closure if inspections are blocked. The state Attorney General and Governor filed a separate expedited suit requesting a court order to allow inspectors in, while DHS has called the suit "frivolous" and defended the facility's compliance.
New Jersey Seeks Court Order to Force Health Inspections at Newark ICE Facility Amid Protests
Jeenah Moon/Reuters - PHOTO: State police officers stand guard by a barricade near the Delaney Hall detention center, in Newark, New Jersey, June 1, 2026.
New Jersey state officials and Newark city leaders have escalated legal efforts to investigate allegations of unsafe and unsanitary conditions at Delaney Hall, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark. State and local authorities say they will seek court orders to compel the facility’s private operator to grant full access to state health inspectors and have warned they may move to close the facility if inspections are blocked.
Legal Moves and Demands
The city of Newark originally sued the GEO Group in April 2025, alleging the company—contracted by ICE to operate Delaney Hall—made modifications to the building to use it as a detention center without required state oversight. Mayor Ras Baraka announced on Tuesday that the city will expand its litigation to include a request to close the facility if state health teams continue to be denied full entry.
WABC - PHOTO: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka speaks to the media, June 2, 2026.
On the same day, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Governor Mikie Sherrill filed a separate suit asking the state Superior Court for an expedited injunction ordering the GEO Group to permit state health inspectors into Delaney Hall. The attorney general’s office stated inspectors were barred from examining key areas, including the medical unit, sleeping quarters, and bathing and toileting facilities.
Allegations, Protests and Conditions
Protests and an alleged hunger strike began on May 22 after reports that roughly 300 people detained at Delaney Hall were poorly fed, denied adequate medical care, and held in substandard conditions. Family visitation was briefly suspended amid unrest but limited visitations were restored on Sunday after a request from the governor.
New Jersey office of the Attorney General - PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport speaks at a press conference on June 1, 2026.
“If the GEO Group—with a $1 billion government contract—has nothing to hide ... there is no legitimate reason to block full access for our health inspectors,” Governor Sherrill said when announcing the state’s suit.
Mayor Baraka described the reported conditions as "inhumane" and cited a reported miscarriage and lack of proper care as an example of the alleged mistreatment. Newark Business Administrator Eric Pennington said city officials formally requested inspection access and will pursue all legal remedies if access is denied.
Federal Response and On-the-Ground Tensions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling the state’s suit "frivolous" and asserting that Delaney Hall complies with applicable laws and receives regular external audits. DHS said detainees are provided meals, water, blankets, medical treatment, and opportunities to communicate with family and attorneys. GEO Group did not immediately comment on Newark’s announcement or the state lawsuit.
Andres Kudacki/AP Photo - PHOTO: A protester shouts slogans as police move forward to clear the area surrounding Delaney Hall detention center as authorities enforce a mandatory curfew during a protest, June 1, 2026, in Newark, N.J.
Federal and local law enforcement have clashed with protesters on multiple days. In some instances, federal officers used crowd-control measures, and authorities made several arrests, including allegations that some demonstrators assaulted federal officers. Officials imposed a curfew near Delaney Hall beginning Sunday night; Mayor Baraka said no arrests were made Monday night but that the curfew would remain in place at least one more day.
Next Steps
Davenport’s filing asks the court to issue an expedited injunction compelling the GEO Group to permit full inspections. City officials said they expect to seek court action within days to continue and expand existing litigation. If inspectors are again denied access, Newark officials say they will seek the facility’s closure until it can be inspected and confirmed safe for those detained.
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