Gov Mikie Sherrill says ICE denied her access to Delaney Hall: 'Raising serious questions'

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is accusing federal immigration authorities of blocking her from entering the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark, a move she claims is "raising serious questions about what is happening behind its walls."

The governor is demanding full transparency and accountability as she continues to lead a state-driven effort to investigate persistent reports of unsafe and inhumane conditions inside the center.

Mikie Sherrill accuses ICE of denying access to Delaney Hall

Governor Sherrill on Wednesday, June 3, took to social media to voice her frustration after being repeatedly denied entry to the private detention facility.

"ICE is denying me entry to Delaney Hall — raising serious questions about what is happening behind its walls," Sherrill wrote on X. 

This public accusation followed a previous failed attempt to visit the site during the Memorial Day weekend.

Mikie Sherrill highlights allegations of detainee mistreatment

The governor's push for intervention is fueled by alarming testimonies gathered from families.

After meeting with relatives, Sherrill stated, "Last night in Jersey City, I met with families whose loved ones are being detained there. What I heard only deepened my concerns."

She detailed the specific allegations she encountered, noting, "Families shared heartbreaking reports of unsafe, inhumane, and unconstitutional conditions – detainees being denied access to proper medical care and medication, violence and intimidation, threats of losing phone and video access, visitation privileges being taken away, and deeply troubling accounts of detainees being pressured to sign deportation papers with no translation."

Mikie Sherrill vows to keep fighting for accountability

The governor emphasized her commitment to those inside the facility, stating, "Every person deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone is entitled to due process. And every family deserves the ability to see and advocate for their loved ones."

Sherrill added that her work is far from over, noting, "I will continue fighting for accountability, transparency, and better conditions at Delaney Hall. The detainees have requested to meet with me and I want to meet with them. We will continue standing with these families, faith leaders, advocates, and peaceful protesters as we work toward the ultimate goal of closing Delaney Hall."

Mikie Sherrill defends state police deployment during protests

Tensions have spilled onto the streets, with activists and family members organizing frequent, vocal protests outside the facility to demand the release of detainees.

These demonstrations have put intense pressure on local officials.

While the state has filed a lawsuit against the GEO Group to compel health inspections, the governor has faced backlash regarding her decision to deploy the New Jersey State Police to manage these crowds.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka criticized the tactical deployment, while Sherrill insisted the presence of the team was "absolutely necessary to protect public safety and avoid escalation."