U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has begun housing migrants at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, weeks earlier than expected and amid an ongoing legal battle with the city over permitting and safety compliance. The facility, operated by private prison company GEO Group under a 15-year, $60 million-per-year contract, was originally slated to open in June.
The City of Newark filed a lawsuit in early April arguing that GEO Group failed to obtain proper permits. A spokesperson for ICE confirmed the opening but did not disclose how many detainees are currently being held at the 1,000-bed facility.
