Newark Mayor Continues Fight Against ICE Facility Reopening Amidst Legal Battles
Newark, New Jersey – Mayor Ras Baraka is intensifying his efforts to prevent the reopening of a former prison, Delaney Hall, which is being transformed into an immigrant detention center by the GEO Group. On Tuesday, Mayor Baraka, accompanied by a group of activists, arrived at the facility demanding access for city inspectors, alleging that the GEO Group is unlawfully obstructing these inspections.
The core of the dispute lies in a lawsuit filed by the City of Newark on April 1, accusing the GEO Group of denying entry to safety inspectors and violating local construction codes. The lawsuit alleges that the GEO Group conducted unauthorized electrical and plumbing renovations without proper city oversight. The mayor’s office has not yet commented on the ongoing litigation or Baraka’s most recent visit to Delaney Hall.
The tensions escalated further after a press conference on Monday, where Mayor Baraka accused the GEO Group of mirroring the behavior of the former president, claiming they believe they can disregard national and constitutional laws. Baraka asserted that fire department officials sought to verify reports of detainees being held in Delaney Hall, information allegedly obtained from an employee at the facility.
During the initial inspection attempts, city officials reported discovering several violations, although not all were considered severe. According to the mayor, these violations posed risks to first responders, detainees, and workers. Lawyer Kenyatta K. Stewart elaborated on the potential violations, citing unsanitary kitchen conditions, inadequate emergency exits, and insufficient ventilation.
The city officials are particularly concerned about the possibility of children being detained in Delaney Hall. Mayor Baraka emphasized that denying access to fire, health, and construction code inspectors is a violation of the law.
A key point of contention is the certificate of occupancy. The GEO Group claims to be operating under a valid certificate issued in 2007, but Mayor Baraka argues that it is no longer valid.
The GEO Group responded to the situation with a statement, characterizing the actions of local and state officials as a "politicized campaign" by sanctuary city proponents. The statement claimed these officials were attempting to obstruct the federal government’s efforts to arrest, detain, and deport dangerous illegal aliens. The GEO Group’s spokesperson stated that these tactics jeopardize public safety and the local economy. The company also pointed out that Delaney Hall previously operated as a federal immigration processing center for six years under President Obama’s administration without any opposition from local political leaders.
"The attempt by local and state officials to stop the opening of a lawful federal immigration processing center at the Delaney Hall facility in Newark is another unfortunate example of a politicized campaign by sanctuary city and open borders politicians in New Jersey to interfere with the federal government’s efforts to arrest, detain, and deport dangerous criminal illegal aliens in accordance with established federal law," the GEO Group spokesperson stated last month.
The GEO Group’s statement added, "These politically motivated tactics threaten both public safety and the local economy and are based on bogus claims about the Delaney Hall facility, which previously operated as a federal immigration processing center for six years under President Obama’s administration, without opposition from local political leaders."
Mayor Baraka, currently a candidate for governor of New Jersey, refuted the accusation of politicizing the issue. He framed it as a matter of human rights, due process, and constitutional rights. “The reality is, this is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, in my mind. It’s an issue of human rights. It’s an issue of due process. It’s the issue of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States," he said.
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, which could be relevant in the context of detaining individuals without proper cause or due process. The mayor is aligning his opposition with constitutional principles, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
The disagreement between Mayor Baraka and the GEO Group highlights a broader national debate regarding immigration enforcement policies and the role of local governments in regulating federal immigration facilities. The situation in Newark reflects the tension between federal authority and local concerns about safety, human rights, and community well-being.
The legal battle is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have significant implications for the future of Delaney Hall and the implementation of immigration enforcement policies in Newark. The dispute also underscores the complex political landscape surrounding immigration issues and the differing perspectives of local and federal officials.
As the case progresses, the city of Newark is determined to ensure that the GEO Group complies with all local laws and regulations, especially those pertaining to safety and construction. Mayor Baraka is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals, including immigrants, and ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. The situation at Delaney Hall is likely to remain a focal point of debate and activism in Newark and beyond.
