Hoboken Dem Committee members meet with county jail director over ICE detainees

Members of the Hoboken Democratic Committee members met with Hudson County Correctional Facility Director Ron Edwards last night to voice their concerns over detainees brought in by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Edwards participated in more than an hour-long session addressing questions related to
the services provided to residents in the Hudson County Correctional Facility during a private meeting at the Mile Square Theatre.

The conversation focused around recent efforts to expand visitation for inmates, efforts to improve nutrition provided to the residents and increased presence of social workers, mental health professionals, and medical services in an updated medical wing of the correctional facility, the HDC said.

“Thanks to Director Edwards for coming to Hoboken and sitting down for a constructive, important and frank discussion of issues of great public interest as Hudson County plans to wind down its contract to host ICE detainees in our County prison,” said HDC Chair Phil Cohen.

“Members of the Hoboken Democratic Committee, and the community-at-large appreciated the chance to have their questions and concerns considered and heard by Director Edwards.”

The forum was moderated by Cohen and attendees included Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano (D-5), 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, HDC First Vice Chair Nora DeBenedetto, Recording Secretary Rachel Hodes and Corresponding Secretary LaTrenda Ross.

As HCV first reported, the Hudson County Board of Chosen freeholders will host a special meeting on October 11th to allow residents to voice their concerns about potentially phasing out the county’s contract with ICE by late 2020.