Why do I go to Delaney Hall ?

I am choosing to stand outside Delaney Hall on Monday nights because I refuse to stay silent about what is happening inside. By being present, I register my deep objection to these conditions and show vital solidarity with those detained.

My journey began when Faith in NJ called on faith leaders to join days of action. Several members of our congregation, alongside Rev. Sasha, answered that call. On Monday, July 13, I attended the Ribbon Ritual for the first time. The colors we use carry deep meaning, inspired by the Monarch Butterfly—a powerful symbol of migration, resilience, and survival. Black ribbons honor lives lost in ICE custody; red and orange represent the adults currently held in Delaney; and yellow ribbons symbolize the children. As we tie each ribbon to the fence, we speak their names aloud, holding them in our hearts while the crowd echoes them back. Afterward, we face the facility and "Sing Down the Walls"—a song written by Miss Rachel and detained children in Dilley, Texas:

"I’ll sing from here and you sing from there, together, we’ll sing down the walls everywhere, with love in our hearts rising up like the sea, together, we’ll sing until everyone’s free."

No one deserves to be locked up in these facilities. Our faith honors the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, in contrast to what is happening at Delaney Hall which is fundamentally wrong. Private companies like the GEO Group continue to profit off human detention and must be held accountable for the mistreatment and damage perpetuated inside.

The numbers are staggering. In New Jersey alone, ICE arrested 2,080 people in July 2026—the highest monthly total in four years—with recent operations reported locally in Montclair, Morristown, Hackettstown, and Hudson County. Nationally, the Department of Homeland Security reported a record-shattering 50,925 nationwide arrests in August 2026. This surge correlates with a tragic rise in custody deaths, with over 70 individuals dying since 2024 (11 in 2024, 33 in 2025, and at least 26 as of September 2026). At Delaney Hall, we mourn lives lost to ICE, Jean Wilson Brutus, Edwin López-Cornejo, and Jose Chajon-Raxon, who all died while in custody at Delaney Hall.

Delaney Hall is not where I naturally want to be on a Monday night. I would much rather finish my evening at my Restorative Yoga class at the YMCA. Instead, I choose to trek into Newark with Kelly and anyone else we can convince to join us. Our collective voice matters. Every week, I am deeply inspired by the solidarity of fellow UUs from across New Jersey, faith leaders like Rev. Robin, Rev. Anya, and Rev. Charles, Charlene Walker from Faith in NJ, and the People’s Vigil led by Pastor Eric and Pastor Archane. Released individuals have shared that they can hear us singing from inside. Our presence lets them know they are not forgotten.

In the words of Fannie Lou Hamer, "No one is free until everyone is free." We will not rest until Delaney Hall is shut down.

On Monday September 28 they will be filming a documentary to raise awareness about the injustices occurring daily. Faith in NJ has encouraged us to bring as many people from our congregation as possible. We will arrive early at 6 pm to go over the songs. They’ve issued a special request to musicians and singers! We will leave from the Morris County Library at 5:00 pm. RSVP to justice@muuf.org

Join Us on Monday, October 12

We are encouraging members of our congregation to join us in standing for justice. We will carpool from the Fellowship parking lot at 5:50 PM. Please let us know if you can make it so we can coordinate rides.

RSVP: justice@muuf.org