‘It’s like they’re kidnapped there’: families tell of distress over ‘inhumane’ ICE jail
Families Say 'It's Like They're Kidnapped' at Inhumane ICE Jail in New Jersey
It s like they re kidnapped - It’s like they’re kidnapped there—the harrowing experiences of detainees at Delaney Hall immigration center in New Jersey have left families in anguish. A Guatemalan immigrant, Elder Guerra, recounted to the Guardian how his time at the facility was marked by “extreme discomfort.” His story, shared in early June, sheds light on the growing concerns of loved ones about the deplorable conditions within the GEO Group-run facility. Guerra, detained for nearly five months, described a traumatic incident during a mid-May shower when he slipped and hit his head, leading to a seizure and worsening health symptoms. His family member, speaking anonymously to avoid ICE retaliation, said, “He’s losing his hearing in one ear and gets dizzy just looking at the screen. It’s been three weeks, and he’s deteriorating.” The relative also noted the desperate calls for medical assistance from other detainees, emphasizing the emotional toll of the ordeal.
Conditions Inside Delaney Hall
The Delaney Hall facility, which opened last year, has become a symbol of systemic neglect for immigration detainees. Families report a lack of stability, with visitation permissions fluctuating and detention conditions worsening. During a recent visit, one relative described the anxiety of focusing solely on their loved one’s well-being. “After the accident, what saddens me most is how the Hispanic community is being treated,” they said. “They’re not just prisoners—they’re treated like they’re not human.” This sentiment echoes the broader frustration of detainees, who feel trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and hardship.
Guerra’s case is emblematic of the challenges faced at Delaney Hall. New Jersey’s congressional representative, LaMonica McIver, confirmed that two detainees are currently in medical isolation cells, while a third, unable to walk, was recently released. Despite these updates, the facility remains under scrutiny for inadequate healthcare, poor food quality, and guards who appear indifferent to detainees’ suffering. Multiple oversight reports by lawmakers corroborate these claims, highlighting the consistent pattern of neglect that families have long warned about.
Protests and Calls for Change
As tensions escalate, Delaney Hall has become a hub for protests demanding better treatment for detainees. Over the past two weeks, detainees have organized hunger strikes and labor actions to draw attention to their plight. Christopher Castro, a detainee’s son, described the situation as “crazy” after a rare visit. “My dad said many inside are pushing their lawyers to get out,” Castro noted. “It’s been so hard. I hope they all get released so we can fight this [case] from the outside.”
The protests have intensified, with ICE officers and state police responding to demonstrations using pepper spray, tear gas, and arrests. Families, meanwhile, face bureaucratic obstacles to connect with their detained loved ones. One mother and daughter, after a visit, broke down in tears as they walked to their car, their voices trembling with despair. Another woman, who brought her young son, described the experience as “heartbreaking.” These personal accounts underscore the emotional and physical toll of prolonged detention.
A System in Crisis
Guerra’s accident, which happened in January while he helped a friend clear snow from a car in Newark, highlights the risks detainees face even in mundane activities. His initial brief arrest by ICE officials has since turned into an eight-year struggle for his immigration status, a fate shared by many at Delaney Hall. His family’s repeated pleas for medical attention reflect a deeper issue: detainees are often left to suffer without adequate support or resources. “He needs help. He’s not in a place that can heal him,” said the relative, emphasizing the facility’s failure to provide even basic care.
The incident has reignited debates about the humane treatment of immigrants in federal custody. Detainees describe feeling abandoned, with medical isolation cells serving as a stark reminder of the system’s flaws. “It’s like they’re kidnapped there,” one family member said, capturing the shared sentiment among many. The emotional and physical distress experienced by detainees is not isolated, but part of a broader pattern that has drawn criticism from advocates and lawmakers alike. As families continue to share their stories, the call for reform grows louder, demanding a more compassionate approach to immigration detention.