New Jersey Democrats flooded an immigration detention center in recent weeks, joining protesters in what critics are calling a politically timed stunt just months before the midterm elections.
The facility at the center of the controversy — Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed immigration detention center — was re-opened last year and immediately drew outrage from Democrats capitalizing on broader left-wing opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka thrust himself into the spotlight at that time, conveniently as he was campaigning to be the state’s next governor.
Where were these complaints during the Obama administration, as the same facility operated as an ICE Processing Center from 2011-2017 with minimal Democratic outcry?
The complaints made now by Sen. Andy Kim and Gov. Mikie Sherrill, along with dozens of protesters they joined, were made last year — a blend of baseless claims about conditions and general anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rhetoric.
But during the Obama administration, the same facility operated as an ICE Processing Center from 2011-2017 with minimal Democratic outcry. No mayors banging on doors. No senators demanding access.
Some have pointed to the death of an inmate in December from natural causes. But 336 people died in New Jersey state correctional facilities between 2018 and 2024 — an average of 48 people per year. Of those, 83% were natural deaths.
For additional context, there were 33 deaths in ICE facilities nationwide in 2025, far fewer than the average numbers of deaths in New Jersey correctional facilities alone.
Have there been protests outside New Jersey correctional facilities? Has the governor been banging on prison doors demanding access? Of course not.
The furor also ignores how New Jersey happily brings in millions of federal taxpayer dollars from its own housing of illegal aliens. New Jersey received over $4 million in fiscal year 2024 alone to pay for illegal aliens in New Jersey Department of Corrections custody under the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP).
Delaney Hall employs some 300 workers with good union jobs and was estimated to bring $50 million per year in economic activity.
Additionally, it’s worth considering the economic benefits the state receives due to Delaney Hall. There are some 300 workers employed at the facility, with good union jobs, and the opening was estimated to bring $50 million per year in economic activity.
Claims about conditions at Delaney Hall, which some politicians have incorrectly described as “torture,” ignore the reality that ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons, including those in New Jersey.
Detainees are provided with three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, and access to communications with lawyers.
New Jersey politicians may be eager to snag a quick political photo-op as they gear up for a midterm battle this November, but responsible public service includes stating the facts about what is actually happening — as well as being consistent in your outrage.
New Jersey Democrats, by that standard, are doing a disservice to ICE staff and to their own constituents.
