BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — They remember nearly a century of history, and their beliefs inspired them to protest an immigration detention center in North Jersey last week.
A group of residents of a senior housing development in Teaneck — ranging in age from 85 to 97 — boarded a minivan on Saturday along with former State Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
They headed to Delaney Hall Detention Camp in Newark, a controversial facility that has come under fire for its living conditions and the fact that the majority of detainees — including children — have no criminal record, reports say.
"Most were there with the assistance of canes and walkers because they said they wouldn't let anything stop them from speaking out in person," said a spokesperson for the residents.
The seniors said they want to see due process for immigrants, and better conditions for both detainees and visitors, as well as the closure of all ICE detention camps.
The group sang along with the Solidarity Singers of the NJ State Industrial Union Council.
Weinberg said, "To live in a community of so many people of my age still feeling they can make the world better, is a privilege."
Weinberg noted that many of them had seen a change in the direction of the country.
"They understand issues for a better life and want the United States to do a 360 degree turn and stand up for that better life for all."
Didn't Just Protest
Besides protesting, the group brought two large bags filled with homemade scarves and hats for visitors who wait outside in cold weather.
They also donated several hundred dollars in supermarket gift cards for families of detainees in need.
The Solidarity Singers, who joined them, come from all parts of New Jersey and sing at Delaney Hall and at "No Kings" rallies against fascism.
Paula Rogovin, co-founder of the Teaneck Peace and Justice Vigil, has worked with activists both protesting and providing mutual aid at Delaney Hall since May, 2025. She said, "Geo Group, has a $1.2 billion contract with ICE," and noted that at Delaney, "There is a lack of medical and mental health care ... It's all about profit."
Sally Pillay, director of Mami Chelo Foundation, said, "We try to get legislators involved to come into the facility to make sure detainees get the medical care and other services they should be getting but that they are not getting. We see people released from Delaney Hall very late at night, even after 11:30 at night. We try to help detainees get rides back to their loved ones."
Weinberg pledged to have the seniors meet with Rep. Josh Gottheimer to address conditions at the facility.
A round of "No Kings" protests against the actions of the federal government was also held in Bergen County last month.
Earlier this year, local officials in Teaneck spoke out at a council meeting about recent ICE actions in their town.
Recent Actions In The News
Protestors have been critical of various immigration related actions and policies of the federal government over the last yar, including citizens being accidentally deported or shot, immigrants being arrested at their hearings, and children facing hearings without legal representation.
More recently, officials in North Jersey have criticized ICE agents for conducting their operations near schools. But the federal government has said some of the social media accounts of those actions were mischaracterized.
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