Newark mayor takes fight to the gates of ICE detention center amid legal battle over alleged safety violations
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is in the midst of a battle to halt Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities at Delaney Hall, a former prison in Newark, New Jersey that is being converted into an immigrant detention center. Baraka, along with activists, arrived at the facility to demand entry, claiming that the building’s new owner, GEO Group, is unlawfully preventing inspections.
A lawsuit filed on behalf of the City of Newark alleges that GEO Group violated city construction codes by conducting renovations without proper oversight. The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment on the ongoing litigation.
In a press conference, Baraka accused GEO Group of disregarding laws and regulations, comparing their actions to those of the president. He expressed concern about potential violations at the facility, including unsanitary conditions, lack of emergency exits, and inadequate ventilation. The mayor also raised alarm about the possibility of children being detained in the building.
GEO Group claims to have a valid certificate of occupancy from 2007, but Baraka insists it is invalid. The company has faced criticism for its handling of the facility and its refusal to allow inspectors access.
A spokesperson for GEO Group denounced attempts by local officials to interfere with federal immigration operations, calling it a politicized campaign that threatens public safety and the local economy. The group defended the facility’s history as a federal immigration processing center under the Obama administration.
Baraka, who is running for governor, denied politicizing the issue, emphasizing the importance of human rights, due process, and constitutional rights. He maintained that the issue transcends political affiliations and is a matter of fundamental principles.
In conclusion, the battle over Delaney Hall highlights the contentious debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of local authorities in upholding federal laws. The clash between Mayor Baraka and GEO Group underscores the complex and divisive nature of immigration policy in the United States.
