Employees at Delaney Hall, a detention facility contracted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have issued an open letter expressing concerns about their safety amid escalating protests outside the center in Newark. The letter, released on June 25, reflects the perspectives of nurses, case managers, food service workers, maintenance staff, and security personnel who work at the facility.

According to the employees, recent demonstrations have become increasingly hostile, with protesters verbally harassing staff, filming them during shift changes, and attempting to block vehicles from entering or leaving the premises. Some employees report that their personal vehicles have been damaged during these confrontations. The tensions have led local authorities to impose an overnight curfew in the neighborhood surrounding Delaney Hall in an effort to restore order.

The workers emphasize that their primary responsibility is to provide safe, professional, and humane care to detainees held at the facility. They highlight the availability of medical staff, including physicians, nurses, dentists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, who ensure detainees receive appropriate health care. When necessary, detainees are transferred to outside specialists or hospitals. The staff also facilitate access to family and legal visits, either in person or via video, and provide services aimed at maintaining detainees’ dignity such as dietary accommodations, recreational time, library resources, legal assistance, and translation services.

The employees note that the facility’s operations are overseen by ICE personnel and other Department of Homeland Security agencies to ensure compliance with detention standards and contractual obligations. When issues arise, staff say they work promptly to address concerns.

In their letter, employees underline their connection to the local community, noting that many were born and raised in the area, with their families integrated into the same schools, stores, and places of worship as those participating in the protests. They implore demonstrators to cease harassment and allow them to perform their duties safely so they can return home to their families at the end of each day.

The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of their commitment to delivering compassionate care and professionalism as part of their service to both detainees and the surrounding community. Delaney Hall is operated by the GEO Group under contract with ICE.