Congressman Rob Menendez Calls for Closure of CoreCivic's Elizabeth Detention Center

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Menendez today released the following statement on CoreCivic’s Elizabeth Detention Center:

“As a longtime advocate for immigrant rights, I am proud that 44% of residents in New Jersey’s Eighth Congressional District are foreign-born. Our district is a diverse and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. That is why I believe CoreCivic’s continued operation of the privately run Elizabeth Detention Center is severely incompatible with the values and wishes of our communities. Further, I am deeply concerned about the inhumane conditions and cases of neglect and abuse against immigrants in this facility. As a country, we cannot accept an immigration system that fails to live up to our American values. 

“Additionally, instead of complying with legislation banning new contracts with ICE detention facilities, passed by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law by Governor Murphy, CoreCivic has chosen to pursue litigation to protect their profits made from detaining immigrants. 

“For these reasons, and so many more, CoreCivic must permanently close the Elizabeth Detention Center.”