Key facts
- New Jersey is allocating an additional $12 million to its migrant legal defense fund.
- The total funding for the initiative reaches $20.2 million.
- The program provides free legal counsel to migrants facing removal proceedings.
- The announcement follows protests and clashes outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility.
- DHS data suggests commissary revenue surged during a reported hunger strike, casting doubt on its validity.
New Jersey's Democratic governor announced an increase of $12 million for the state's Detention Deportation Defense Initiative, bringing the total allocated funds to $20.2 million. This initiative provides free legal counsel to migrants within the state who are subject to removal proceedings. The governor stated the program aims to ensure due process and protect the human rights of detainees. The announcement comes after nearly two weeks of protests and clashes outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark. Reports of a hunger and labor strike at the facility around May 23 have been disputed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS shared data indicating that commissary revenue at Delaney Hall surged significantly during the reported strike period, with sales nearly tripling from over $11,000 to over $30,000 in a week, despite a decrease in the detainee population. DHS officials suggested detainees were trading meals for snacks. Deputy Press Secretary Lauren Bis called the hunger strike claims a 'hoax,' and Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the facility is not a 'Holiday Inn.' Several Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Andy Kim, Robert Menendez Jr., and Bonnie Watson-Coleman, toured the facility and reported concerns about conditions. However, Representative Herb Conaway Jr., who also toured the facility, stated he did not witness 'major concerns' during his visit, though he met with women who expressed concerns about their health and family. Representative Jerrold Nadler also offered a different assessment after his tour.