Full Breakdown
New Jersey Sues GEO Group Over Denied Full Health Inspection at Delaney Hall Detention Center
6/3/2026, 1:01:29 AM
State Files Lawsuit to Secure Full Health Inspection
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport filed a lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court against GEO Group, Inc., operator of the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. The complaint seeks a court order compelling the Department of Health to conduct a full, unrestricted inspection, alleging violations of New Jersey health-inspection statutes.
Background: Hunger Strike and Allegations of Unsanitary Conditions
Governor Mikie Sherrill and other officials visited Delaney Hall after a May 22 hunger strike. Inmates reported spoiled food, no toilet paper, menstrual products or toothpaste, and denied medical care, including obstetric services and miscarriage treatment. Detainees also described metallic water, flu and COVID-19 spread, and a tuberculosis case transferred to University Hospital.
Timeline of Key Events
May 22 2026 – Detainees begin hunger strike.
May 23 – Senator Andy Kim and Rep. Rob Menendez tour.
May 28 – DOH inspectors granted limited access, barred from medical, sleeping and bathing areas.
May 28 – Attorney General files suit seeking injunction for full inspection.
Reported Health Risks and Facility Conditions
The complaint cites spoiled food, lack of hygiene supplies, denied obstetric and miscarriage care, metallic water, and flu, COVID-19 and tuberculosis outbreaks. Inspectors were barred from the medical unit, sleeping quarters and bathing facilities, raising concerns that the environment could enable rapid disease spread to detainees, staff and the public.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Sherrill called for transparency and pledged to use her authority for detainees. Attorney General Davenport said GEO Group must obey state law and permit a full health inspection. Health Commissioner Washington stressed the legal duty to prevent disease spread. Senator Kim and Rep. Menendez voiced concern over inadequate medical care observed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Inspectors received limited access on May 28 but were barred from the medical unit, sleeping and bathing areas, leaving the full condition of the facility unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- "If the GEO Group — with a $1 billion government contract — has nothing to hide and the conditions inside Delaney Hall are as safe and as sanitary as this private corporation and the Trump Administration claim, then there is no legitimate reason why my health inspectors are being kept from full access throughout the building." — Governor Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
- "The people of New Jersey deserve transparency and accountability, and I will continue using all the power of this office to advocate for the detainees and their families." — Governor Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
- "GEO Group must allow our state’s health inspectors to conduct a full inspection of Delaney Hall. The reports of unsanitary and unsafe conditions inside Delaney Hall are extremely concerning, and GEO Group — like any other business and facility in New Jersey — must follow the law." — Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Attorney General of New Jersey
- "Any facility housing people in New Jersey must meet basic standards under the law to prevent the spread of disease, keep food and water safe, and minimize health risks. That includes Delaney Hall." — Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey Department of Health
What's Next
The state seeks an injunction; the court’s decision will determine whether a full health inspection can proceed and what enforcement actions may follow.
