The Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, became the epicenter of a serious security breach on Thursday evening. The event unfolded as a violent disturbance among the detainees led to the escape of four individuals, now considered fugitives. Local law enforcement swiftly initiated a widespread search effort to recapture the escapees.
A senior Homeland Security official confirmed that multiple law agencies were called to respond to the crisis. The facility issued a “be on the lookout” (BOLO) alert, signaling to law enforcement the urgent need to locate the individuals.
Inside sources indicated that the unrest was fueled by frustrations over meal delays. Approximately 50 detainees became increasingly agitated, culminating in the collapse of a dormitory wall, which facilitated the escape attempt. Immigration attorney Mustafa Cetin reported to NJ.com that the wall in question was "not very strong" and that some detainees were seen using bedsheets in their efforts to flee.
The conflict escalated, with reports of a gas-like substance being used during the disturbance, leading to coughing fits among detainees and observers outside the jail, including Rutgers University-Newark professor Whitney Strub, who documented the heavy police presence.
As the evening progressed, tensions heightened when protesters obstructed an SUV at an ancillary gate of Delaney Hall, forcing it to reverse back into the facility. Witnesses reported sightings of the escaped detainees near Turnpike 78 and Delancey Street, adding urgency to the manhunt.
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka voiced serious concerns regarding the incident and allegations of mistreatment within the detention center, which may have contributed to the unrest. In a statement reported by Fox News, Baraka criticized Delaney Hall's oversight and transparency and demanded access for city officials and congressional representatives to monitor conditions. He also addressed the broader issues with private prison operations, like those overseen by the GEO Group, emphasizing their challenges to constitutional protections and local governance.
This incident comes shortly after Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) faced indictment on federal charges related to a May 9th oversight inspection of the detention center, which included Mayor Baraka and other officials. While initial trespassing charges against Baraka were dropped, the situation has intensified scrutiny on private immigration detention facility management and security practices.
Authorities continue their pursuit of the four escaped detainees, urging the public to report any information and reminding that assistance to escapees can lead to criminal charges.
The escape at Delaney Hall has renewed debates on the management and security of private immigration detention facilities and has highlighted the ongoing tensions between state and local officials seeking greater control and transparency and federal agencies overseeing immigration enforcement.
