“I have long opposed private detention facilities and will continue to advocate for the closure of Delaney Hall and against any expansion of mass detention facilities in New Jersey, like the proposed facility in Roxbury,” she added.

The Department of Homeland Security sought to convert the 109-acre former warehouse in Roxbury into an immigration detention center. However, its efforts were halted in court this month when the department agreed to conduct an environmental review before any conversion work proceeds.

The Democratic governor’s office, alongside Roxbury officials, led the legal battle against the federal government.

In Newark, immigrant advocates allege that Delaney Hall, which has up to 1,000 beds, is not suitable for prisoners. Among the alleged inhumane conditions are medical neglect, lack of air conditioning, and poor food.

DHS and the prison owner, GEO Group, denied the allegations as hundreds of inmates on Friday went on a hunger and labor strike.

Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin said there are no “subprime conditions” at Delaney Hall and no hunger strike is occurring. He also criticized New Jersey “sanctuary politicians” for spending their Memorial Day weekend on a “political stunt.”

“This is nothing more than a political stunt by New Jersey sanctuary politicians for fundraising clicks,” Mullin said in part.

“Would these sanctuary politicians like to house these criminals in their homes or have them as neighbors?” he asked. “We need these sanctuary politicians to stop peddling this garbage and cooperate with us to get these criminals out of their state.”

Since the strike began, crowds have gathered outside the facility to protest ICE. Their presence has resulted in clashes with federal officers, video footage shows.

Protesters tried to block vehicles from entering or leaving the premises. By Monday afternoon, they formed a human chain around ICE personnel at the facility.

Sherrill called the unfolding situation at Delaney Hall “heartbreaking” for the detained immigrants.

“The people inside Delaney Hall are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and members of our community,” she said. “In New Jersey, we believe in the rule of law and that everyone deserves to be treated with basic dignity. We have a duty to safeguard the rights, health, and well-being of everyone within our borders.”

One day before her attempted visit, Sherrill said on social media that she “will continue to call for the closure of Delaney Hall.”

Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) was among the lawmakers who joined the governor for the attempted oversight visit.

“I’m back at Delaney Hall with [Sherrill] and other members of the NJ delegation to meet with families of detainees and listen to community advocates,” he posted on X on Monday morning. “We’re working together to make sure they’re heard and to speak out with them.
Delaney Hall must be shut down immediately. ICE cannot be allowed to continue operating in this way.”

Members of Congress are allowed to visit ICE detention centers to conduct official oversight, recent court rulings have said, but the Trump administration has repeatedly stood in their way of doing so.

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) was also present Monday. The congresswoman was charged with assault and interference last May following a physical altercation with federal officers outside Delaney Hall. She pleaded not guilty to the charges and has tried to have her case dismissed in the appeal process. If convicted, McIver faces up to 17 years in federal prison.

JUDGE DISMISSES HUMAN SMUGGLING CHARGES AGAINST KILMAR ABREGO GARCIA

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat who was also caught in the confrontation last year, was arrested and charged with trespassing. However, his case was dismissed shortly after the incident.

Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and Rob Menendez (D-NJ) were also present last year, but they were not arrested or charged. Both have been active on social media about the ongoing hunger strike.