Immigrant Rights Group: Hudson County Jail Deaths Are ‘Systemic'

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — When 26-year-old Carlos Borroto was found hanging in his cell at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, he became the sixth person to die at the facility in less than a year, according to an immigrant rights group.

The situation at the county-run jail – which houses individuals both in the criminal justice and immigration detention systems – is now utterly “unacceptable,” national prisoner advocacy group Freedom for Immigrants recently stated.

“The death of one person at the hands of the state is one too many,” said Liz Martinez, director of advocacy and strategic communications with Freedom for Immigrants. “But what we see here is a systemic issue and a health crisis.”

Martinez added:

“The number of deaths at Hudson County Correctional Facility, which houses individuals both in the criminal justice and immigration detention systems, is indicative of the reckless disregard towards the lives of those in its custody.”

The Hudson County Correctional Facility – which has contracted with ICE to provide detention services for potential deportees - was recently named in a scathing report that blasted several New Jersey prisons for "inhumane" conditions including spoiled food and suicide risks.

• See related article: Maggots, Squalor For ICE Detainees At 'Inhumane' NJ Jails
• See related article: Hudson County Won't Help ICE Flag Jailed Immigrants Under 287(G)

The most recent death at the jail took place in late March, when a 26-year-old man – previously unnamed pending notification of his family - apparently committed suicide in his cell. The deceased man was wanted on open warrants for domestic violence, aggravated assault, animal cruelty, resisting arrest and eluding when the West New York Police Department apprehended him.

During the arrest, the man allegedly told officers that he wanted to jump off a bridge, NJ.com reported. After being taken into custody and transported to the county-run jail, the man was allegedly housed in general population instead of a mental health ward, even though he told medical personnel that he had mental health issues. During a previous encounter, he told jail officials that he's struggled with suicidal thoughts.

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise told NJ.com that the county is reviewing its $29.4 million contract with CFG Health Services to provide medical services at the jail, where six inmates have died since June, four of which have been classified as suicides.

• See related article: Suicide At Hudson County Jail; Officials Eye Contract

For now, what’s immediately needed at the jail is an independent medical oversight board that can help ensure transparency and accountability at the embattled prison, Martinez said.

Someone’s life may depend on it, she said.

“In 2016, Freedom for Immigrants, with the help of First Friends of New Jersey and New York, filed a civil rights complaint on behalf of 61 men and women in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” Martinez said. “The complaint documented the pattern and practice of substandard medical care within the facility and the lack of proper oversight.”

“This is unacceptable,” she added.

• See related article: 1 In 10 New Jersey Inmates Will Likely Die In Jail, Report Says

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File photo by Jawaid Stationwala (protest at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, June 2017)