Women Detainees continue Strike as ICE Escalates Transfers at Delaney Hall

Advocates, families, and community members gather outside the detention center to demand an end to retaliation, restoration of visitation, and freedom for those detained.

NEWARK, NJ — As hundreds of people detained at Delaney Hall enter the nineteenth day of collective resistance against abusive conditions, advocates, family members, and community leaders will gather outside the detention center tomorrow to amplify the demands of those inside and condemn what they describe as escalating retaliation by ICE and GEO Group.

This morning, ICE reportedly removed approximately 80 people from their housing units for transfer to other detention facilities or units. The transfers follow the suspected removal of nearly 300 people over the weekend and are being viewed by advocates as an attempt to disrupt organizing efforts and separate detained people from their support networks.

Despite transfers, threats, excessive force, and communication restrictions, women detained inside Delaney Hall continue a relay hunger and labor strike and are advancing new demands focused on the conditions they face.

“We are mothers, daughters, sisters. We are here to demand justice,” women participating in the strike stated.

Advocates are calling for the immediate restoration of visitation and communication rights, independent investigations into allegations of abuse, improved medical care, safe living conditions, and the release of detained women—particularly young women, mothers, and those with medical vulnerabilities.

The action comes as families report being denied meaningful contact with loved ones while concerns continue to grow regarding medical neglect, labor exploitation, unsafe infrastructure, and allegations of sexual abuse inside the facility.

WHAT: Press Conference in Support of Delaney Hall Strikers

WHEN: Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11 am
WHERE: Outside Delaney Hall Detention Center
Newark, New Jersey

WHO:
– Family members of detained individuals
– Community members and advocates
– Representatives from immigrant rights organizations
– Faith leaders
– Labor and community organizers

BACKGROUND:

On May 22, more than 50 women detained at Delaney Hall signed a letter describing conditions inside the facility and calling for justice. Since the strikes began, advocates point to several significant developments, including the release of pregnant women, the release of individuals with serious medical conditions, increased legal support resources, government inspections, legal challenges, and growing national attention on conditions inside the detention center.

Advocates stress that the struggle unfolding at Delaney Hall is part of a broader movement challenging abuses within the immigrant detention system nationwide.

Participating Organizations:

Eyes on ICE NJ
American Friends Service Committee New Jersey Immigrant Rights Program
Casa Freehold
CATA – The Farmworkers’ Support Committee
DIRE – Deportation and Immigration Response Equipo
El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City
Movimiento Cosecha New Jersey
New Labor
Pax Christi NJ
Resistencia en Acción New Jersey
Semilla Roja
National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)

Detention Watch Network

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