NJ Union Questions Immigration Detention Agreement

A union representing corrections officers at a New Jersey jail is criticizing an agreement between county and federal authorities to house one of the newest immigration detention facilities in the nation.

PBA Local 382 President Joe Amato says an agreement signed in December with Immigration and Customs Enforcement violates union rules and is not being properly administered. The union represents officers at the Essex County Correctional Facility

Philip Alagia, chief of staff for Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., says Amato sent the office letters of complaint but they lack specific examples or demands. No union grievances have been filed.

County officials hope the agreement will generate millions of dollars in needed revenue.

Federal immigration officials have been seeking a new detention facility to serve the New York metropolitan area.