White House border czar Tom Homan defended conditions at the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesday, rejecting allegations of overcrowding and inadequate care as political attacks aimed at undermining immigration enforcement.

Speaking to CBS News after touring the facility over the weekend, Homan said criticism from Democrat lawmakers, protesters, and state officials does not reflect what he observed inside the center.

"I toured the whole facility. Is it a five-star resort? No. But is it a well-run detention facility? Yes," Homan said.

Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed detention center operated by private prison contractor GEO Group under a long-term contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has become a focal point in the national debate over immigration enforcement and detention policy. The facility reopened in 2025 as part of the Trump administration's effort to expand detention capacity for migrants facing removal proceedings.

The center has been the site of nearly two weeks of demonstrations and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. Newark officials recently imposed a nightly curfew around the facility following clashes that resulted in multiple arrests.

Protesters have accused operators of maintaining unsafe and inhumane conditions, while federal officials have denied those allegations.

Homan specifically disputed reports that Delaney Hall is overcrowded.

"That's false," he said, noting that the facility currently houses 706 detainees, well below its capacity.

Asked whether he had concerns about conditions inside the center, Homan said improvements are always possible but insisted detainees are not being placed at risk.

"It can always improve," he added. "I'm not saying this facility is perfect."

The comments came one day after New Jersey filed a lawsuit against GEO Group seeking full access for state health inspectors to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facility.

State officials allege inspectors were denied access to key areas, including medical units, sleeping quarters, shower facilities, and ventilation systems. The lawsuit cites concerns about overcrowding, inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, food safety issues, and the potential spread of communicable diseases.

GEO Group has previously defended its operations and cooperation with authorities.

Homan argued the controversy surrounding Delaney Hall is driven by broader opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

"This is about shutting down that facility," he said. "And the politicians on the Hill, it's about abolishing ICE."

Homan also offered an unusual assessment of conditions at the center after eating a meal there.

"The spaghetti was good," he said. "And I'm a pretty big guy, and I didn't finish the meal. I couldn't finish the meal."

The facility has drawn increasing scrutiny since reports emerged of detainee protests and an alleged hunger strike over living conditions. The Department of Homeland Security has disputed claims that detainees are being mistreated and has maintained that those held at Delaney Hall receive adequate food, medical care, and access to services.

Separately, Homan confirmed plans to increase ICE activity in New York and said the agency's "primary focus" during this year's FIFA World Cup will be security operations rather than immigration enforcement.