Governor Sherrill Calls Detainee Death at Delaney Hall “Another Painful Reminder” of Why Facility Should Close
Share, Comment, Like, and Subscribe to support Independent Journalism!
By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): NEW JERSEY —Governor Mikie Sherrill has expressed deep concern following the death of a detainee at Delaney Hall over the weekend, calling for answers and renewed scrutiny of the privately operated detention facility.
In a statement issued August 3, Governor Sherrill said she was “deeply disturbed” by news of the death and extended her condolences to the detainee’s loved ones, who, she said, “deserve answers about what happened.”
Sherrill said her administration is working with New Jersey’s congressional delegation to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the death. She also renewed criticism of what she described as continued obstruction of efforts to conduct a full health inspection of Delaney Hall.
“Every effort to block oversight raises serious questions about what is happening inside Delaney Hall and what those operating the facility are trying to hide,” Sherrill said.
The Governor characterized the death as another reason the facility should be closed.
“This tragedy is another painful reminder of why Delaney Hall should be closed,” she said.
Sherrill has previously opposed the use of private, for-profit detention and prison facilities, arguing that incarceration should remain subject to strong public oversight and accountability.
“I have long opposed the use of private, for-profit prisons operating in a space that should be reserved for government,” Sherrill said. “Corporations should not have the right to monetize imprisoning people while avoiding public accountability.”
The Governor also pointed to her administration’s opposition to new private detention facilities, including a proposed facility in Roxbury.
Sherrill said her administration would continue pursuing legal and other available measures to increase transparency and protect the rights of people being held at Delaney Hall.
“We will continue fighting for transparency, for justice, and for every legal tool available to protect the rights of those being held in the facility,” she said. “We will not stop until the people of New Jersey get the answers they deserve.”
The statement comes amid continuing scrutiny of conditions, health oversight and accountability at Delaney Hall. The detainee’s death is likely to intensify calls for greater transparency regarding the facility and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The India Observer (TIO) will continue to follow developments surrounding Delaney Hall, including efforts by state and federal officials to establish the facts surrounding the death and conditions inside the facility.
Fearless Journalism. Facts Matter.
Editor’s Note:
The India Observer will continue monitoring developments surrounding Delaney Hall, including investigations into the detainee’s death, health and safety conditions, government oversight, and Governor Sherrill’s efforts to close the facility.
Read the full story and more updates at The India Observer.
Support independent journalism by sharing this article, commenting on the issue, and subscribing for future coverage.
Have a story, event, or issue to report?
Email your press release or tip to TheIndiaObserver@gmail.com— TIO covers news that matters. @AdamRizviTIO
