New Jersey sues GEO Group over ICE facility conditions

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced a lawsuit against GEO Group Inc., the operator of the Delaney Hall ICE facility. The lawsuit is based on reports from media outlets and members of Congress, alleging dangerous conditions such as worms in food, lack of toilet paper, poor medical care, and a tuberculosis outbreak. However, an unclassified inspection report from the DHS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) found the facility compliant with 17 out of 22 standards. The report recommended continued work to resolve the five outstanding deficiencies, which included issues in food services, admission and release procedures, holding room facilities, environmental health and safety, and suicide prevention monitoring. DHS called the lawsuit frivolous, noting a recent inspection by the New Jersey State Health Department found the kitchen compliant. The lawsuit and the facility have been the subject of protests by various activist groups.