Rep. Watson Coleman Demands Accountability Following Death at Delaney Hall

Rep. Watson Coleman Demands Accountability Following Death at Delaney Hall

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released a statement following news that an ICE detainee died following a brief detention at Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ. In May, Rep. Watson Coleman, along with Reps. Rob Menendez, Jr. and LaMonica McIver reported on substandard conditions following a tour of the facility. In June, four detainees escaped Delaney Hall by breaking through an aluminum exterior wall.

"Reports of negligence and abuse have emerged from ICE facilities around the country and are indicative of the Trump Administration's complete disregard for basic standards of health and safety of detainees. This has been on display at Delaney Hall since it opened this past Spring.

"The warnings made by myself, my congressional colleagues, the Mayor, and others have been met by DHS with dismissal and frivolous legal action. Consequences of the administration's belligerent enforcement and utter disregard for the health or legal rights of detainees continue to mount.

"This incident should be thoroughly investigated and Delaney Hall should immediately be closed. I encourage my Congressional colleagues from both parties to actively engage their Constitutional duty of oversight at facilities around the country."