Newark mayor says ICE detention center cannot lawfully open without permits, property-use requirements

Private prison contractor Geo Group did not yet obtain the necessary permits or meet city property-use requirements to lawfully open an immigration detention center in Newark despite its announcement to open by June, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said. Geo Group did not obtain change-of-use permits to reopen Delaney Hall, city permits to start and finish work on the facility, or pass an inspection, according to Baraka. He said that the contractor also did not obtain fire permits, elevator permits, or a certificate of occupancy that allows people inside buildings. The plans for the site must be presented to the Newark planning board, a group of people appointed by the Newark mayor and council members to review development plans. There must be two community meetings before decisions approving or disapproving change-of-use permits are made by the planning board, Baraka said. No meeting dates have been announced yet, but interested attendees can check Newark planning board’s calendar and agenda for meeting schedules and discussions.

From NJ Spotlight News.