In June 2026, a group of immigrants held at the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey formally asked Attorney General Jennifer Davenport to certify their applications for U‑visas. The detainees contend that they are victims of criminal activity and have cooperated with law‑enforcement officials, making them eligible for the special immigration status.
The request was submitted to the state’s attorney general’s office after the men and women were transferred to the facility under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. By seeking certification, the detainees aim to satisfy a mandatory step in the U‑visa process that could permit them to stay in the United States while the applications are reviewed.
U‑visas are reserved for non‑citizen victims of certain crimes who assist authorities in investigations or prosecutions. A certification from a state attorney general confirms the victim’s cooperation and the seriousness of the underlying crime, and it is required before the Department of Homeland Security can grant the visa. Without this endorsement, applicants cannot move forward in the highly regulated program.
Attorney General Davenport’s office has not yet issued a public response to the petitions. The outcome of the certification request will influence whether the detainees can remain in the country pending the resolution of their immigration cases. If approved, the U‑visa could provide a pathway to legal status and work authorization for the individuals involved.
The situation underscores the procedural hurdles faced by undocumented immigrants who claim victim status, highlighting the intersection of immigration enforcement and victims’ rights. As the applications await review, the detainees continue to be held at Delaney Hall while their legal status remains uncertain.