No Crocs or baby onesies - the draconian Delaney Hall dress code ICE uses to deem toddlers 'too provocative' [View all]
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/15/new-jersey-delaney-hall-immigration-visitor-dress-code
No Crocs or baby onesies - the draconian Delaney Hall dress code ICE uses to deem toddlers too provocative
Visitors say arbitrary and changing rules prevent visitation and cause stress to families and their detained loved ones
Farhana Sabeeha
Mon 15 Jun 2026 10.12 EDT
(Meanwhile bad food, bad water, dirty kitchen
)
The health department of New Jersey has also received a report of potentially inadequate tuberculosis infection control practices, according to the legal filing.
But as well as inhumane treatment of detainees, family members like Soto say the institution has found more arbitrary ways to create distress.
Since the facility opened last May, guards have rejected families, some traveling from faraway states like Texas, over leggings, Crocs, heels, dresses, shorts and more. Closely resembling prison dress codes, the regulations for visitors ban any form-fitting, revealing clothing, from open-toed shoes and leggings to pants with holes and even wearing a T-shirt without a bra. Gang colors, which are not defined, are also prohibited.
The dress code states that it applies only to visitors aged 12 and older. However, in the past year, Delaney Hall has often rejected much younger kids, such as Gabrielas toddler. According to testimony from visitors and activists, the facility has rejected preschool or elementary-aged girls over frocks and leggings.
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(Kid in leggings is too provocative
where their minds are if not simply pure harassment
)