The City of Newark has formally raised safety concerns regarding the use of Delaney Hall as an ICE detention center, operated by GEO Reentry Group LLC, citing multiple life-threatening hazards uncovered during a recent inspection.
Following a visual inspection conducted on April 25, Newark’s Department of Engineering, Division of Code Enforcement, reported serious safety violations, including deficiencies in fire safety systems, shock hazards, improper fire exits, cross-contamination of potable water, and exposed piping allowing sewer gas into the facility.
Despite notifying GEO Group of the findings in an April 30 report, the Florida-based company has not provided any response indicating whether these Newark ICE detention center safety concerns have been addressed. However, the city has been informed that the facility is now housing immigration detainees.
“This facility, in its current condition, is unfit for occupation and presents clear dangers to its occupants,” said legal representatives for the City of Newark. “GEO Group has failed to respond meaningfully to the identified risks and continues operations despite the absence of safety clearance.”
The city has requested that GEO Group submit a new or updated certificate of occupancy, especially if the group intends to increase the population beyond current limits or house minors in the facility.
Although a copy of the contract with ICE was submitted to the city under court order, key details—such as the number of detainees and payment structure—were redacted, hindering Newark’s ability to assess compliance with zoning and safety laws.
A spokesperson for GEO Group responded, stating that “Delaney Hall has a valid certificate of occupancy issued by the City of Newark and complies with all contracted health and safety requirements.”
The Delaney Hall facility, located approximately five miles from Newark Liberty International Airport, was previously decommissioned in 2017 and is now part of a 15-year, $1 billion contract to serve as a 1,000-bed federal immigration processing and detention center.
In addition to safety issues, Newark accused GEO Group of starting construction without required city permits and blocking official inspections. The city filed suit on April 1, 2025, in New Jersey state court, a case later moved to federal court by GEO Group.
The company contends that ICE has exclusive control over the site, rendering the city’s claims invalid unless ICE is named as a defendant—a move complicated by the agency’s sovereign immunity.
The federal government has characterized the city’s lawsuit as “aggressive and legally unjustified.” Nonetheless, Newark maintains that it has a duty to uphold public safety and has pursued similar enforcement actions in the past against other non-compliant property owners.
Legal counsel for the City of Newark includes Michael A. Armstrong & Associates LLC. GEO Group is represented by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and internal counsel. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division represents the federal government.
