Newark Mayor Files Lawsuit to Close Delaney Hall Detention Center Amid Health and Safety Concerns

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has initiated legal action against the operators of Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in New Jersey, citing mounting health and safety concerns. The city’s move to close the facility follows a period of intense unrest, with protesters and law enforcement clashing outside the site for over a week.

Legal Action and Inspection Disputes

The push for closure is two-fold. Mayor Baraka announced on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that the city is pursuing a lawsuit to shutter the detention center. Simultaneously, the New Jersey Attorney General has filed separate legal action against The GEO Group, the facility’s operator. This state-level lawsuit specifically challenges the company’s refusal to allow health department officials to conduct thorough inspections of the premises.

The legal pressure comes as officials investigate reports of substandard conditions. According to Mayor Baraka, these allegations include poor nutrition, a lack of adequate medical care, and general neglect. Among the most serious claims reported by the mayor is an account of an inmate who allegedly suffered a miscarriage without receiving proper medical attention.

Protests and Public Safety

The situation at Delaney Hall has been characterized by significant public outcry. Demonstrations began on May 22, 2026, fueled by reports of an ongoing hunger strike and poor treatment of the approximately 300 inmates held at the facility. These protests have frequently turned volatile, with federal and state law enforcement officers responding to crowds with batons and tear gas.

In response to the escalating tension, Mayor Baraka had previously implemented a 9 p.m. To 6 a.m. Curfew. However, following a calm night on June 1, 2026, the mayor lifted the curfew on June 2. Mayor Baraka stated, “After last night’s protest without a single arrest, we are lifting this curfew to allow full expression of the American right to free speech and to peacefully assemble.”

The city has also transitioned to using community police officers to patrol the immediate area, a strategy the mayor credits with stabilizing the environment outside the detention center.

Key Takeaways

• Legal Confrontation: Both the City of Newark and the New Jersey Attorney General have filed lawsuits against The GEO Group regarding conditions and inspection access at Delaney Hall.
• Health Allegations: Reported issues include inadequate medical care, poor nutrition, and specific claims of medical negligence involving an inmate miscarriage.
• Civil Unrest: Protests have persisted since May 22, 2026, resulting in multiple arrests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
• Policy Shift: After a period of mandatory curfews, the city has restored pedestrian access to the front of the facility to facilitate peaceful assembly.

Looking Ahead

As the legal proceedings move forward, the primary focus remains on the outcome of the health inspections and the potential for a court-mandated closure. The situation underscores a deepening tension between local municipal authorities and the private operators of federal immigration detention centers. For now, the city continues to monitor the site, balancing the necessity of public order with the constitutional rights of protesters.