New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, 2026, of denying her access to Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in Newark. This facility has been the subject of lawsuits and protests regarding alleged unsafe conditions. Sherrill expressed her concerns on social media, stating, "ICE is denying me entry to Delaney Hall — raising serious questions about what is happening behind its walls." The governor had previously attempted to visit the facility over Memorial Day weekend but was also denied entry, according to local reports.
Sherrill recently met with families of detainees at the facility, who reported unsafe conditions, including lack of medical care and intimidation. She stated, "Families shared heartbreaking reports of unsafe, inhumane, and unconstitutional conditions." Sherrill has indicated her intent to push for accountability and improved conditions at the facility, while also supporting efforts to shut it down.
The New Jersey Attorney General announced a lawsuit against GEO Group Inc., the company operating the facility, seeking access for state health officials to inspect it. This lawsuit follows reports of hunger strikes by some detainees over the conditions. The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the lawsuit as "frivolous," asserting that detainees receive adequate meals and basic necessities. Sherrill has faced criticism from local officials and activists regarding her handling of protests outside the facility. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka expressed disagreement with the tactics used by state police in response to these demonstrations.