Newark Immigration Facility Escape: Detainees Breach Wall Amidst Protest Over Conditions
Four detainees escaped from the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, after allegedly breaking through a wall. Officials described the incident as occurring during a night of unrest.
The Escape
Senator Andy Kim reported that the detainees breached an interior wall, which led to an outer wall, and then fled into a parking lot. He indicated that guards may have lost control of the situation.
Protests and Unrest
Protests erupted outside Delaney Hall due to reports of delayed meals. Demonstrators clashed with officers, with reports indicating the use of pepper spray and physical force against protesters. Amy Torres of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice stated that some protesters sustained minor injuries.
Conditions Inside the Facility
Attorney Mustafa Cetin noted escalating tensions inside the facility, attributing them to meals arriving hours late. Concerns have also been raised regarding water quality and potential detainee transfers, according to Senator Kim.
Broader Context
The American Friends Service Committee highlighted inadequate rations, with detainees receiving limited meals. The facility, operated by the GEO Group, has faced increasing scrutiny amid broader debates concerning immigration enforcement policies.
Immigration Enforcement
At the end of May, ICE held over 53,000 detainees nationwide, exceeding its budgeted capacity. Recent clashes between Democratic leaders and facility operators have also drawn significant attention.
