Sherrill Denied Entry to Delaney Hall as 300 Detainees Press Hunger Strike

13 articles · Updated · WHYY · May 25

Gov. Mikie Sherrill said her request to enter Newark’s Delaney Hall was formally denied Monday after she visited the site with Sen. Andy Kim and other New Jersey lawmakers.
About 300 detainees began a hunger and labor strike Friday, according to advocates, who say the private ICE facility has unsafe, inhumane and unconstitutional conditions; federal officials had denied an ongoing hunger strike.
Sherrill said the denial raised questions about what officials were trying to hide and vowed to keep pressing ICE after hearing what families and advocates described as heartbreaking accounts.
The standoff adds pressure on the state and federal delegation to act as immigration advocates demand Delaney Hall be shut down immediately.

With detainees alleging worms in food and officials denying it, what independent evidence can reveal the truth inside Delaney Hall?

Beyond closing one facility, what systemic changes can address the conflict between for-profit detention and detainee welfare?

If congressional oversight results in federal charges, what does this signal for future accountability at private detention centers?