Reps. Mejia, Menendez, and Espaillat Conduct Oversight Visit at Delaney Hall Following Reports of Negligent Conditions

NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Representatives Analilia Mejia (NJ-11), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) today conducted an oversight visit at Delaney Hall, operated by GEO Group, following repeated complaints regarding conditions inside the detention facility, including reports of spoiled food, inadequate or non-functioning air conditioning, and grave concerns about access to timely and appropriate medical care.

Following the visit, the members issued the following joint statement:

"ICE and GEO Group have a responsibility to the people they are holding in federal custody. What we heard and observed today makes clear that those held in Delaney Hall are dangerously neglected.

We met with individuals who detailed medical care being delayed or denied when people are sick or in pain, spoiled and unsafe food being served, and inadequate air conditioning leaving people to endure dangerous conditions. This is a federally funded failure of care and oversight.

We will continue to demand clear answers about what is happening inside this facility, including the deaths of individuals held at Delaney, what DHS is doing to address these conditions, and why people in federal custody have been forced to endure them in the first place."

The members will continue to review information gathered during today's visit and pursue additional oversight as warranted, including seeking answers from federal