The state of New Jersey has initiated a civil rights investigation into the conditions at Delaney Hall, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark. This follows detainee deaths, protests, and allegations concerning medical care. The state Division on Civil Rights is looking into whether GEO Group employees, who manage the facility, breached the civil rights of detainees.
Investigators have issued subpoenas as part of the inquiry. The investigation aims to determine if actions or lack of actions by GEO Group staff violated the civil rights of detained individuals, as outlined in a statement from Attorney General Jennifer Davenport’s office.
“New Jersey has a legal and moral duty to stand up for the civil rights of people in our State,” noted Davenport. “Those rights incorporate the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care for detained individuals, including those held by a private corporation like GEO Group.”
Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights, stated the investigation would be thorough and guided by New Jersey law. Allegations about inadequate medical care and poor conditions have raised scrutiny of the facility.
What Happened At Delaney Hall?
A key focus is the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, a Salvadoran man detained at Delaney Hall since June. He was the 22nd person to die in ICE custody in 2025 and the second at Delaney Hall. More than 50 individuals have died nationwide in ICE custody, according to Reuters.
Lopez-Cornejo reportedly suffered a medical emergency on August 1 and was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he died. His family has questioned whether he received appropriate medical treatment. Lopez-Cornejo had diabetes, high blood pressure, and epilepsy, requiring medication, and his family claims he did not receive necessary care after reporting symptoms.
His death followed that of Jean Wilson Brutus, a 41-year-old Haitian who died in December 2025 after a medical emergency at Delaney Hall. Initially described by ICE as suspected natural causes, a medical examiner later determined Brutus died from a pulmonary embolism.
Protests Have Erupted Outside
Delaney Hall’s conditions have triggered protests inside and outside the center. Demonstrations outside the facility have attracted large crowds, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Earlier this year, hundreds of detainees engaged in a hunger and labor strike over issues like food, medical treatment, and conditions within the center.
This unrest has amplified political pressure on ICE and GEO Group, prompting demands for greater oversight. A woman hit by a car during a Father’s Day protest at Delaney Hall has expressed intent to take legal action against federal immigration authorities and the private prison contractor at the site.
What Rights Do ICE Detainees Have?
Detainees in immigration facilities have significant legal rights. Although immigration detention is essentially a civil process, detainees are subject to ICE standards for medical care, legal access, communication, grievances, and more.
The 2025 ICE National Detention Standards require facilities to offer necessary medical, dental, and mental health care, including emergency services, at no cost. This includes medically necessary treatments, pharmaceutical services, and timely responses to medical complaints.
ICE must comply with constitutional, federal, and state laws, ensuring humane treatment for detainees. These standards aim to protect detainees from harm and guarantee proper medical and mental health care.
Medical Care
ICE guidelines mandate that health care programs and facilities fall under the direction of a Health Services Administrator or Clinical Medical Authority. Facilities must have enough medical staff to perform essential exams and treatments.
According to the Institute for Health Policy and Leadership, ICE detainees retain rights to necessary health care even in custody. Detention, being civil rather than criminal, imposes obligations on the government, including medical, dental, and mental health care provision, driven by the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
Access To Lawyers
ICE standards stipulate that facility handbooks must inform detainees about services like library/legal access, phone use, visitation, correspondence, disability accommodations, and grievance procedures. Even in disciplinary segregation, detainees have telephone access for emergencies and legal calls.
While detainees can have attorney representation in immigration proceedings, the government is not required to provide lawyers free of charge. Detainees must hire attorneys themselves or seek help from nonprofits. Attorney visits and communication, including confidential consultations, should be facilitated under ICE standards.
Family Communication And Complaints
Detainees have rights to communicate with family via approved phones, mail, and in-person visits. ICE guidelines permit authorized visits to maintain morale and family relationships.
Grievances about conditions, treatment, or other issues can be filed. Facilities must have procedures to handle grievances and must guarantee against reprisal. Supervisory review of grievances is mandatory. Detainees with limited English proficiency or disabilities are entitled to necessary assistance.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors Matthew Robinson and Trevor Davies.