City of Newark and Community Leaders Unite Against Unlawful Detention at Delaney Hall

Newark, NJ — On Monday, May 5, 2025, Mayor Ras J. Baraka joined community leaders and representatives from organizations that support immigrant families, including the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), at a press conference at Newark City Hall to raise serious concerns about the reported detention of individuals at Delaney Hall. The facility, operated by the GEO Group, is alleged to be in violation of city and state regulations related to Certificates of Occupancy, inspections, and permitting requirements.

Mayor Baraka made the city’s position clear, stating,

“Without satisfying city property-use requirements, inspections, and permits, Delaney Hall cannot lawfully open in Newark at this time. Regardless of the process, an immigrant detention center is not welcome here.”

Hazel Applewhite, CEO of the Ironbound Community Corporation, expressed deep concern over the developments and called for collective action from residents—particularly in the Ironbound neighborhood.

“We should be focused on building schools and improving education, not opening detention centers and separating families,” she said.

The press conference underscored the community’s united call for transparency, accountability, and legal compliance, particularly when vulnerable populations are at risk. The coalition urges local and federal officials to reconsider any plans to reopen Delaney Hall and instead prioritize policies that uphold human rights, foster inclusion, and keep families together.

About Ironbound Community Corporation

Founded in 1969, Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities to achieve their aspirations and work collectively toward a just, vibrant, and sustainable future. ICC provides  essential services and programs in early childhood education, youth and family services, community organizing, and environmental justice, serving thousands of individuals each year in the Ironbound and surrounding neighborhoods. To learn more about what we do, please visit us at  ironboundcc.org.

Contact:
Cali Woods
Ironbound Community Corporation
Phone: 973-465-0555 Ext 235
Email: [email protected]