Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced the issuance of investigative subpoenas by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) regarding Delaney Hall in Newark, a private immigration detention facility owned and operated by The GEO Group, Inc. The Office’s investigation will focus on whether any action or inaction by GEO Group employees violated the civil rights of people detained at the facility, in the wake of reports of alarming conditions and recent deaths. Individuals with information relevant to this civil rights investigation can contact DCR’s Affirmative Enforcement Unit at AffirmativeEnforcement@njcivilrights.gov.
“New Jersey has both a legal and a moral duty to stand up for the civil rights of people within our state,” said Attorney General Davenport. “For people who are held involuntarily, including by a private corporation like GEO Group, those rights include the right to humane treatment and adequate medical care. We will take every action available under law to safeguard these core legal principles. We ask individuals to share their personal experiences with us so that we can take action to ensure that rights are protected.”
“Ensuring that civil rights are upheld in all environments — particularly in settings where individuals may be vulnerable — is a fundamental responsibility,” said Yolanda N. Melville, Director of the Division on Civil Rights. “Our investigation will be thorough, impartial, and guided by the requirements and protections established by New Jersey law.”
If violations are found, as with any civil rights investigation, the Office will initiate appropriate civil enforcement action as provided for under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act (NJCRA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
Today’s announcement comes as litigation continues between the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) and GEO Group. The Attorney General filed that lawsuit on behalf of DOH this past June, seeking a court order requiring GEO Group to grant the agency access to Delaney Hall to conduct health inspections.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights is responsible for preventing and eliminating discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. DCR enforces the LAD, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, the Fair Chance in Housing Act, the John Lewis Voter Empowerment Act, and the NJCRA.
The NJCRA protects individuals against the deprivation of rights. The law authorizes the Attorney General and DCR Director to investigate and address potential violations to ensure equal protection and fair treatment for all people in New Jersey.
