DHS refutes claims of subpar conditions
DHS, in a Monday press release, denied allegations of poor conditions inside Delaney Hall and accused New Jersey politicians of “spreading smears” about ICE and the facility.
The department claimed that all detainees are given three meals daily—evaluated by certified dietitians—as well as clean water, clothes, bedding, and toiletries. It also claimed detainees could access phones and communicate with family members and lawyers and that medical, dental, and mental health services, including 24-hour emergency care, are available to those in ICE custody.
“In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens,” DHS added.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Monday accused New Jersey’s “sanctuary politicians” on social media of staging a “political stunt,” adding that “there is NO hunger strike at Delaney Hall,” and that “there are no subprime conditions.” (Per ICE policy, a detainee observed to have not eaten for 72 hours is considered on a hunger strike and should be referred to medical authorities.)
