""It has come to our attention that individuals visiting their loved ones have been routinely subjected to inhumane and unsafe conditions while waiting for entry into the facility," the group wrote in a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and GEO Group CEO David Donahue. In July, an appeals court struck down New Jersey's ban on private prisons."
""Most recently, on September 6, 2025, visitors were forced to wait outside along a metal fence during thunderstorms, that included torrential rain and lightning, without shelter or consideration for their safety," the lawmakers wrote. "Reports have also surfaced of visitors left standing for hours in the heat of the summer sun, exposed to extreme temperatures and health risks," they continued, adding that "these conditions are unacceptable.""
New Jersey Democratic congress members condemned treatment of visitors to Delaney Hall, an immigration jail run by GEO Group. Visitors were forced to wait outdoors during a September thunderstorm with torrential rain and lightning, and reports say others waited for hours in extreme summer heat. The group named Donald Norcross, Frank Pallone, Robert J. Menendez, Josh Gottheimer, LaMonica McIver, and Nellie Pou; Mikie Sherrill did not sign. A July appeals court decision struck down New Jersey's ban on private prisons. A DHS spokesperson warned that congressmembers at the facility may face arrest. Lawmakers demanded measures including indoor or covered waiting areas and consistent visiting hours.
Read at Truthout
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]