Delaney Hall
Prison in New Jersey, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Delaney Hall is a facility used for immigrant detention in Newark, New Jersey. The private prison is managed by GEO Group under contract for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which awarded GEO Group a US$1 billion contract for fifteen years. Delaney Hall previously held immigrant detainees from 2011 to 2017. The facility re-opened in 2025 and has an authorized capacity of up to 1196. It is the largest facility of its type on the East Coast of the United States and the larger two in New Jersey, the other being the Elizabeth Detention Center.[4] Both facilities are located near Newark Liberty International Airport and are used for the entire New York metropolitan area.
 Interactive map of Delaney Hall | |
| Location | 451 Doremus Avenue Newark, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°42′46.8″N 74°10′22.8″W |
| Status | Open |
| Security class | Minimum-Medium |
| Capacity | 1196[1][2][3] |
| Opened | 2011–2017 2023 (closed) 2025 (re-opened) |
| Managed by | GEO Group |
Background
The building opened in 2000 and had been used to house federal, state, and county detainees.[5] GEO Group operated the facility from 2011 to 2017, at the time having a 450 capacity for immigrant detainees. It was then used as a drug rehabilitation center and halfway house until 2023, when it was vacated. In 2021 New Jersey passed legislation prohibiting local jails and private facilities from housing immigrant detainees. It was challenged in court and in 2023 the statue was struck down.[2][6]
Reopening and certificate of occupancy
It was announced in February 2025 that the facility would reopen under the management of private prison operator GEO group.[7][8] Soon after, the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, stated that that GEO Group had not complied with standard municipal building and safety regulations.[9] Newark sued GEO Group in New Jersey Superior Court in March, alleging that the facility did not have a valid certificate of occupancy (CO). In April, the case was transferred to federal court, where a judge was weighing Newark's request to close the facility "pending inspection and compliance with local, State, and administrative codes".[4][10] When it opened in May 2025, CEO Group stated that the CO issued in 2007 was still valid.[11] That assessment is challenged by the city.[12][13]
Incident with government officials
In May 2025 an altercation took place in which government officials requesting an inspection tour were arrested. Some were later charged.
Unrest and escape of detainees
On June 12, 2025, after days of which detainees had complained of unacceptable conditions and lack of food, a small riot occurred and 4 persons escaped the facility[14] after breaking through a sheet-rock exterior wall.[15][16] Two of the men were found three after three days.[17] The fourth was found on July 18.[18]
Death of detainee Jean Wilson Brutus
In December Jean Wilson Brutus died while in custody at Delaney Hall. According to ICE. "On Dec. 11, 2025, Brutus entered ICE custody. He had no signs of distress during intake nor a medical history of cardiovascular issues." Roughly one day after arriving at Delaney Hall, Brutus suffered a “medical emergency,” ICE said. . He was brought to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead.[19][20][21] The reason for death has been described inconclusive.[22]