Investigators served subpoenas focused on GEO Group’s treatment of detainees, a separate track from the state’s lawsuit seeking full health-inspection access.
NEWARK, N.J. New Jersey’s Division on Civil Rights has opened an investigation into practices at Delaney Hall, the privately operated immigration detention center in Newark, following reports about conditions and recent deaths at the facility.
The Attorney General’s Office announced Aug. 7 that investigators had issued subpoenas concerning the facility, which is operated by The GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The inquiry will examine whether actions or failures to act by GEO employees violated the civil rights of people detained there, including issues involving humane treatment, medical care and access to necessary medication. A subpoena is an evidence-gathering tool. The investigation itself is not a finding that GEO or any employee violated the law.
“Today, the Attorney General announced a civil rights investigation into Delaney Hall, a private detention facility operated by The GEO Group. Since the facility is stonewalling efforts for real oversight, this is the right and necessary course of action. We’ve heard the reports of disturbing conditions and have been heartbroken by recent deaths of detainees at the facility. ICE and The GEO Group have continued to block our efforts for a full health inspection and there are now reports that visitations have been stopped. We will not tolerate a facility that abdicates any transparency and accountability. I have long opposed private detention facilities, and my position is clear that Delaney Hall should be closed. My administration will continue to do everything in our power to hold ICE and The GEO Group accountable to New Jersey laws.” – Statement from Governor Sherrill on Delaney Hall Civil Rights Investigation (August 7, 2026)
The announcement followed the death of Edwin Lopez-Cornejo, 41, after what ICE described as a medical emergency. His family said he had high blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy and alleged that the facility failed to provide necessary medication and care. ICE said Lopez-Cornejo received proper medical treatment and was seen by health professionals. ICE, the Department of Homeland Security and GEO did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the new investigation. Reuters reported the family’s allegations and ICE’s response.
The civil rights inquiry is separate from New Jersey’s pending health-inspection lawsuit.
The state sued GEO in June after Department of Health inspectors were allowed into Delaney Hall for a limited inspection on May 28 but were prevented from entering the medical unit, sleeping quarters and bathing and toilet areas, according to the state’s complaint. New Jersey is seeking a court order requiring full access. Those allegations remain subject to litigation, and the court has not made a final finding that GEO violated state inspection law. The June lawsuit and inspection history are detailed here.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill endorsed the civil rights investigation and repeated her position that the facility should close. Her Aug. 7 statement also alleged that ICE and GEO continued to obstruct a complete state inspection.
“We’ve heard the reports of disturbing conditions and have been heartbroken by recent deaths of detainees at the facility. ICE and The GEO Group have continued to block our efforts for a full health inspection and there are now reports that visitations have been stopped. We will not tolerate a facility that abdicates any transparency and accountability. I have long opposed private detention facilities, and my position is clear that Delaney Hall should be closed. My administration will continue to do everything in our power to hold ICE and The GEO Group accountable to New Jersey laws.” – Statement from Governor Sherrill on Delaney Hall Civil Rights Investigation
If the Division on Civil Rights finds violations, the Attorney General’s Office says it may pursue civil enforcement under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Investigators are asking detainees, employees and other people with relevant firsthand information to contact the division’s Affirmative Enforcement Unit at AffirmativeEnforcement@njcivilrights.gov.
Morristown Minute reported on the inspection dispute in June. The Aug. 7 investigation is a distinct development because it examines detainees’ civil rights and medical treatment rather than only the state’s physical access to the building.