Newark, NJ - In a powerful display of solidarity, Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), alongside Representatives Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Daniel Goldman (D-NY), visited the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to shine a light on the unacceptable conditions endured by detainees and demand an end to the Trump administration's cruel immigration policies. Espaillat, the first formerly undocumented member of Congress, wielded a court order, asserting his right to bear witness to the injustices occurring within the facility.

Espaillat's unwavering commitment stems from his own lived experience, giving him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants. He is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), fighting for unrestricted access to detention centers, including privately operated ones like Delaney Hall. This legal battle highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.

"I have a court order here that allows me to come in. I will go in because the Constitution protects me," Espaillat declared, a resounding statement against the Trump administration's attempts to obstruct congressional oversight and deny basic human rights to detainees.

Following Espaillat's courageous stand, Nadler and Goldman joined the effort, spending two hours inside Delaney Hall. What they found was deeply disturbing. Nadler exposed the horrifying reality of inadequate food provisions, with detainees reportedly being fed only at 4 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m., and often finding maggots in their meals. This blatant disregard for the well-being of detainees is a moral stain on our nation.

Nadler also emphasized the severe limitations on medical services, with detainees facing unacceptable delays in receiving necessary treatment. Protesters outside the facility echoed these concerns, further amplifying the call for immediate action. While ambulances were seen arriving at the facility, their mere presence cannot negate the documented evidence of systemic neglect and inadequate healthcare within ICE detention centers.

Espaillat's proposed legislation to empower state governors to inspect federal detention centers is a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and transparency. By allowing public officials to monitor conditions, we can begin to address the systemic issues that contribute to the mistreatment of detainees. Espaillat also made it clear that those detained are "working people" who have been torn from their families, underscoring the devastating human cost of the Trump administration's policies.

The crisis at Delaney Hall is a microcosm of the broader problem of inhumane treatment within ICE detention centers across the country. These facilities, often operated by private companies, have been plagued by reports of overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and denial of basic rights. The profit motive inherent in private detention creates an incentive to cut corners and prioritize profits over the well-being of detainees.

The visit by Espaillat, Nadler, and Goldman serves as a powerful indictment of the Trump administration's immigration policies and a call to action for progressive lawmakers and advocates. We must demand an end to the inhumane treatment of detainees, ensure access to adequate legal and medical services, and work towards a more just and compassionate immigration system.

The fight for justice and human rights within ICE detention centers is far from over. It requires sustained vigilance, advocacy, and a commitment to holding the Trump administration accountable for its actions. The voices of those detained must be heard, and their stories must be amplified until we achieve a system that upholds the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of their immigration status.