Tensions Rise at Newark Immigration Detention Facility
NEWARK, N.J. (OSV News) — Amid increasing tensions at Delaney Hall immigration detention center, the Archdiocese of Newark hosted a prayer service approximately half a mile from the facility’s entrance.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin Leads Prayer Service
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin participated in the May 31 service, which featured a bilingual rosary and heartfelt testimonies from families whose loved ones have been detained for the past two months.
Call for Hope Amidst Violence
“Since Memorial Day, there has been a marked rise in violence at Delaney Hall, prompting the archdiocese to establish a prayerful and peaceful presence,” stated Father Timothy Graff, secretary of diocesan mission and vitality for the archdiocese. He was among those present, accompanied by Father Alex Gaitain, coordinator of the Ministry of Immigration, and Father Anthony Palombo, who serves as secretary to the cardinal’s priests.
Broad Community Support at the Service
Representatives from migration teams across various dioceses joined the prayer service, alongside members of Pax Christi, an organization dedicated to advancing peace and justice. Detainee families and protesters were present as well, with many participating actively in the prayers.
Cardinal Tobin’s Message of Human Dignity
Addressing the assembled crowd with humility, Cardinal Tobin commended those who shared testimonies about the dignity of those affected and the injustices they face. He urged attendees to “move forward in hope” and embody Christ’s teachings. “The greatness of Jesus lies in His refusal to pass on injustice, declaring, ‘Injustice dies with me.’ That is the example I strive to follow, and I hope you do too,” the cardinal remarked, emphasizing the importance of preventing anger and despair from leading to further injustices.
Concerns About Conditions at Delaney Hall
Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed private facility that opened in May 2025, is the largest immigrant detention center on the East Coast, operated by GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protests against ICE have occurred outside the facility since May 22, highlighted by allegations of detainee mistreatment, inadequate conditions, and poor food quality, which GEO Group has denied. A small number of pro-ICE demonstrators also gathered during this time.
Local Government Response to Protests
Following escalating confrontations between anti-ICE demonstrators and New Jersey State Police assigned to Delaney Hall, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka implemented a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the evening of May 30. Over that weekend, several individuals were arrested for violating this curfew. Mayor Baraka sought to safeguard the community from a perceived influx of ICE agents and accused “masked individuals” of engaging in violent actions, including damaging the protest zone fence and hurling projectiles at police officers.
Ongoing Support for Detainees
Father Gaitain and volunteers from the Archdiocese of New York’s Immigration Ministry frequently visit the facility to administer sacraments, conduct prayer services, and provide hope to those separated from their families and the outside world. In an interview with New Jersey Radio Giornalera after the rosary, Cardinal Tobin encouraged detainees and their families to remain hopeful, asserting that “Human dignity is not a concession granted by any government; it is the will of God, who created us in His own image. No government can strip away our dignity. Stay strong and hold your heads high, as you are all children of God, and you do not walk alone.”
