Newly released documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) indicate that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is evaluating proposals to increase its immigration detention capacity in New Jersey. The records, secured through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by the ACLU in September 2024, suggest that ICE could expand by about 600 beds at two facilities in the state. This development coincides with President-Elect Donald Trump's commitment to intensify deportation and detention efforts.
The ACLU of New Jersey, along with other advocates, has expressed concerns about the Biden administration's plans to expand detention not only in New Jersey but also potentially in sixteen other states identified by ICE. Eunice Cho, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project, criticized these plans stating, “Instead of closing abusive detention facilities once and for all, the Biden administration is simply paving the way for the incoming Trump administration to conduct mass detention and deportation of immigrant communities nationwide.”
The facilities under consideration include the Elizabeth Detention Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, operated by CoreCivic, Inc., and the Albert M. "Bo" Robinson Center (ARC) in Trenton, New Jersey. Both have been criticized for poor conditions. Investigations into ARC revealed issues such as "robbery, sexual assault, [and] menacing of the weak," while the Elizabeth Detention Center has faced allegations of medical neglect and unsanitary conditions.
The FOIA litigation aimed to obtain records related to a contract solicitation issued on June 26, 2024, seeking additional ICE detention space near Newark. The solicitation called for "comprehensive detention services for adult male and female noncitizens." However, the documents received primarily contain environmental impact statements from CoreCivic and GEO Group regarding their proposals.
Despite steps taken by New Jersey to phase out ICE contracts and close county-run jails, federal plans to expand detention persist. Ami Kachalia from ACLU-NJ emphasized the need for action: “That’s why it’s imperative that the Biden administration immediately halt any efforts to expand this abusive detention machine.” She also urged swift passage of the Immigrant Trust Act by New Jersey's Legislature.
State officials and members of Congress from New Jersey have opposed expanding ICE detention facilities. Earlier this year, eight Representatives and Senator Cory Booker voiced concerns over new private ICE facilities in New Jersey. In 2021, legislation was passed prohibiting new or expanded immigration detention contracts within the state; however, legal challenges have delayed its enforcement.
