After a four-day delay, Governor Sherrill finally visited Delaney Hall detention facility, following protests from individuals who expressed frustration over her initial absence.
"These private detention facilities, which I have long opposed, are not treating people in the humane way we want."
The protest began on a Friday, with demonstrators demanding an opportunity to speak with the governor. Sherrill stated that her office had been working with federal immigration officials to gain entry to the facility, and she committed to continuing efforts to access the site.
On the day of her visit, Sherrill issued a statement revealing that her formal request to access the facility had been denied earlier that day. She described this denial as "raising serious questions about what they are trying to hide from public view."
During her visit, Sherrill said she came to hear from advocates and families of detainees, describing their accounts as "heartbreaking." She added that she would continue to hold ICE accountable.
In a previous statement issued on Sunday, Sherrill had expressed serious concerns about Delaney Hall, describing reports of "unsafe, inhumane, and unconstitutional living conditions" as "completely unacceptable."