Analilia Mejia Calls to Abolish ICE, Close Delaney Hall After Death at Newark Detention Center

Mejia calls ICE a “rogue agency” and calls to close Delaney Hall before more people die

Glen Ridge — Following reports that a detainee died in ICE’s custody at the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark last week, congressional candidate Analilia Mejia called for the immediate abolition of ICE and the closure of Delaney Hall.

“This is a rogue agency that’s committing human rights violations on a daily basis. You can’t reform that or fix it with more oversight. We have to abolish ICE, shut down Delaney Hall, and hold every single person responsible for their crimes against humanity. And we need to do it now before more people die in cages on American soil. Enough is enough,” said Analilia Mejia.

The death comes days after it was reported that detainees were being served raw food and denied necessary medical care.

Mejia was at Delaney Hall in May when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested outside of the detention center alongside members of Congress and community leaders.

"This agency has only been around for 22 years, so let's not pretend our immigration system has always functioned this way. When I'm in Congress, you can count on me to get rid of ICE and replace it with a system that's humane and protects people's basic rights," said Analilia Mejia.