As scrutiny against immigration enforcement heightens, members of Congress convened last week to discuss the controversy surrounding detention centers across the nation, but especially one in particular.
The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight held a hearing to weigh the facts and falsehoods surrounding Delaney Hall, a detention center in New Jersey that has gained national attention in recent months for protests over alleged conditions inside the facility and clashes over congressional oversight.
Some Republicans have argued that this underscores how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers need stronger legal protections from public harm, while Democrats continue to call for increased accountability for agency operations.
“In the time since our last hearing on this topic, more than 40 people have died while in ICE custody,” Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) said during the hearing.
Of these incidents, Rep. Crockett said 30% were in facilities owned by The GEO Group, a private detention center contractor that also operates Delaney Hall.
“At multiple GEO facilities, individuals report dangerously substandard conditions, including mold, various outbreaks, including chickenpox, and insufficient food and water,” Rep. Crockett said. “Facilities operated by GEO have failed to comply with ICE's own national detention standards.”
Since 2024, The GEO Group has donated over $1 million to Trump’s super PAC, almost $1 million to House Speaker and Rep. Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) and thousands to Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s (R-SD).
The Texas congresswoman also argued that GEO is politically motivated to support President Donald Trump’s administration and Republicans’ sweeping immigration and border security agenda.
“They spend millions to get Republicans elected around the country, and in return, they get federal contracts to operate detention facilities,” Rep. Crockett said.
The corruption goes beyond the finances, she added. In May 2025, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) was charged with assaulting, resisting and impeding federal officers after a confrontation outside Delaney Hall during a congressional oversight visit.
Rep. Crockett highlighted this as a clear example of how the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department against political opponents and congressional oversight.
“If the Republicans really wanted to know what was happening at Delaney Hall or any other detention facility, they would push for unannounced congressional and independent oversight,” she said.
