Federal Inspectors at Newark’s Delaney Hall After Safety Complaint

Maria Gonzalez (not her real name) woke up early Thursday morning to the sound of her own heartbeat. Her brother, detained at Delaney Hall for two months, had called the night before and whispered that something was wrong. The toilets weren’t working in his unit. Several men had fevers. No one would tell them why.

That call set off a chain of events that now has federal safety inspectors walking the halls of one of New Jersey’s largest immigration detention centers.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has opened an on-site inspection at Delaney Hall in Newark after receiving a formal safety complaint. According to NJ Spotlight News, the investigation remains open and active.

For the families of the roughly 1,000 people held there, it’s a moment of dread and maybe a glimmer of hope. The feds are now inside. But what that means for their loved ones is still unclear.

What triggered the inspection?

OSHA has eight specific conditions that can trigger an immediate on-site review. They include things like imminent danger to workers or detainees, a pattern of serious violations, or a complaint that shows credible evidence of a hazard. Officials haven’t said exactly which condition was met at Delaney Hall, but the fact that inspectors are there means the complaint passed an initial review.

The center, operated by CoreCivic under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has a history of complaints. Past reports have cited issues with medical care, sanitation, and overcrowding. But this is the first time in recent memory that federal safety inspectors have shown up in person.

How did we get here?

Delaney Hall has been a flashpoint for years. Advocates have long argued that conditions inside are inhumane. They point to a 2020 inspection by ICE itself that found broken plumbing, mold, and inadequate healthcare. That report, obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union, was never made public until a lawsuit forced it out.

Then came the pandemic. Family members say visits were cut off, communication became spotty, and cases piled up. In 2022, a detainee died at the facility after staff reportedly delayed calling 911. The county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, but no charges were filed.

The complaint that brought OSHA here may be tied to any number of those long-simmering issues. Neither OSHA nor CoreCivic have confirmed the specifics. But sources close to detainees say the temperature has been rising for months.

What this means for Hudson County

You might be wondering why a Newark detention center matters to Hudson County. Look at a map. Delaney Hall sits just off Route 21, less than two miles from the Hudson County line. Many of the families who visit it live in Jersey City, Bayonne, North Bergen, and Kearny.

This isn’t some distant problem. It’s in our backyard. And the next time you hear a mother on the light rail crying into her phone, she might be headed to Delaney Hall to see someone inside. This story touches the daily life of parents who pack lunches for kids they’re raising alone while their spouse is detained. It touches grandparents who take the bus across county lines to see a grandchild.

What people are saying

In a statement, a spokesperson for CoreCivic said, “We take all safety concerns seriously and are fully cooperating with OSHA’s inspection.” The company emphasized that the investigation is standard procedure and that no findings have been made yet.

Advocates on the ground are more skeptical. “They’ve had years to fix this place,” said Rosa Mendez, a volunteer with the New Jersey Immigrant Justice Coalition. “Now that the feds are here, you can bet they’ll clean up for a few days. But what happens when they leave?”

OSHA officials declined to comment beyond confirming the inspection is ongoing.

What comes next

The inspection could take weeks or even months. OSHA will interview staff and detainees, review medical logs, and inspect plumbing and ventilation systems. If violations are found, the agency can issue fines, order repairs, or even recommend that ICE terminate its contract with CoreCivic.

Residents who want to stay informed can check OSHA’s website for updates on case number 1706860. Family members who have concerns can call the Newark OSHA office at (973) 776-5600 or contact the New Jersey Office of the Public Advocate at (609) 826-5098.

There’s no easy answer here. But knowing that someone is watching — that’s something. The lights are on. The inspectors are inside. For the families waiting outside, that’s a start.