When someone is taken to Delaney Hall in Newark, families often feel lost and unsure of what to do next. Delaney Hall is not a traditional ICE facility, which makes the situation even more confusing. People are held there for immigration reasons, but the building itself is operated differently from the Elizabeth Detention Center. If your loved one is being held at Delaney Hall, there are clear steps you can take to locate them, understand why they were detained, and begin working toward their release. You may also find it helpful to review our pages on Removal Proceedings, Removal Notice to Appear, and After USCIS Denial.
What Delaney Hall Is and Why ICE Uses It
Delaney Hall is a Newark based detention site that ICE uses to hold individuals who are waiting for immigration court hearings or who have been taken into custody after an arrest or denied application. People are sent there for reasons such as:
A pending removal case A denied green card or naturalization application A prior deportation order A recent criminal arrest Concerns about flight risk or public safety
If the detention is connected to a denied green card case, our pages on Adjustment of Status, Adjustment Denials, and Adjustment in Removal explain how these situations develop. If the detention followed a denied naturalization case, our After Naturalization Denial page may be helpful.
Step 1: Confirm That the Person Is at Delaney Hall
Families often learn about the detention through a phone call, a missed check‑in, or a message from a friend. The ICE Online Detainee Locator can help, but it is not always accurate. If the locator does not show the person, it may be because:
They were recently transferred Their name was entered incorrectly They have no A number ICE has not updated the system
A lawyer can often verify the person’s location faster by contacting ICE directly.
Step 2: Understand the Reason for Detention
The reason someone is held at Delaney Hall determines the strategy for release. Common scenarios include:
A denied I‑751 petition A denied I‑601 or I‑601A waiver A missed immigration court hearing A criminal arrest A prior removal order
If the detention is tied to a marriage based case, our pages on I‑751 in Removal, I‑751 Problems and Denials, and Motion to Reopen I‑751 can help you understand what went wrong. If the issue involves a waiver, our pages on I‑601 in Removal and I‑601A in Removal explain the next steps.
Step 3: Explore Bond Eligibility
Bond is often the fastest way to secure release from Delaney Hall. Not everyone qualifies, but many people do. Bond may be available if:
The person has no serious criminal history They are not considered a danger They have strong ties in the United States They have a pending immigration case
A lawyer can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. These hearings move quickly, and preparation is essential.
Step 4: Gather Evidence for the Bond Hearing
Judges want to see proof that the person will attend future hearings and that they are not a danger to the community. Helpful evidence includes:
Proof of address Employment records Letters from family and community members Medical documentation Birth certificates of children Marriage certificates
If the person has a pending green card case, our pages on Family Based Green Cards, Adjustment Prior Violations, and Adjustment Interview Denial may help you understand what evidence supports both the bond request and the underlying case.
Step 5: Request Parole if Bond Is Not an Option
Some individuals are not eligible for bond, especially those with certain criminal histories or prior removal orders. In these cases, ICE may grant parole based on humanitarian factors. Strong evidence may include:
Serious medical conditions Pregnancy Caregiving responsibilities Extreme hardship to family members
If the detention is connected to a denied application, our pages on Motions to Reopen, Motions to Reconsider, and Immigration Appeals explain how reopening the case can support a parole request.
Step 6: Prepare for Immigration Court
If release is not immediate, the case will continue in immigration court. The person may still win release later or win their case entirely. Court options include:
Adjustment of Status in court Waivers in court Cancellation of Removal Motions to reopen old orders
You can learn more about these options on our pages for Adjustment in Court, Court Waivers, Cancellation of Removal, LPR Cancellation, and Non LPR Cancellation.
Step 7: Move Quickly
Delaney Hall cases move fast. The sooner a lawyer becomes involved, the sooner they can:
Contact ICE Request release Prepare a bond packet Stop a transfer Protect the person’s rights
Families often wait because they hope ICE will release the person on its own. This rarely happens.
The Bottom Line
Delaney Hall is confusing, but getting someone released is possible. With fast action, strong evidence, and a clear legal strategy, many people are able to return home while their immigration case continues. Whether the goal is bond, parole, or winning the case in court, the most important step is to act quickly and get experienced legal help.
If your loved one is being held at the Elizabeth Detention Center instead, our guide on that facility explains how the process works there as well.
Managing Partner Kierulff Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized immigration lawyer: 25+ years experience, thousands of clients helped.
Last Updated and Reviewed Feb 9, 2026