# GEO detention issues: TB outbreak, lawsuits, NJ probe > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tb-outbreak-at-colorado-ice-detention-center > Updated: 2026-08-20T12:08:24.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 8. In mid‑July 2026, health officials confirmed a tuberculosis outbreak at the GEO‑run ICE detention pod in Aurora, Colorado, testing all 88 detainees and identifying at least 12 infections. The pod was placed under quarantine while the facility’s air‑conditioning failed during a heat advisory. The Adams County Health Department issued a public‑health order demanding medical records and access, which GEO missed by July 17. Community groups have urged Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser to mandate cooperation, as ICE has cited federal jurisdiction to block investigations. On August 1, GEO Group filed a federal lawsuit to block Colorado’s House Bill 26‑1276, which would impose new health and safety inspection requirements at the Aurora site. GEO’s attorneys argue the law unfairly singles out the Aurora facility and conflicts with existing federal contracts. By August 10, Colorado officials were seeking to compel GEO Group to grant investigators access to conduct a full epidemiological investigation, with proposed measures allowing the state attorney general to impose fines of up to $50,000 for denied access. During this period, detainees reported being sickened by odors resembling natural gas; GEO Group characterized these reports as a ‘malicious prank,’ while Xcel Energy found no gas hazards. On August 14, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a new public health order demanding detailed information on all individuals who tested positive for or were exposed to tuberculosis. While ICE and GEO Group claimed one confirmed case was isolated and treated, state officials have been unable to independently verify these claims and expressed concern regarding potential spread among the 400 employees and released detainees. On August 20, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against The GEO Group for failing to comply with state public health orders. ## Claims - New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport opened a civil‑rights investigation into Delaney Hall. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Delaney Hall is a 1,000‑bed ICE detention facility in Newark operated by GEO Group. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Detainee Edwin Lopez‑Cornejo died in custody after a medical emergency. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The facility has faced protests over spoiled food, unsanitary conditions, faulty ventilation and inadequate medical care. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Governor Mikie Sherrill called the conditions disturbing, urged the facility’s closure, and ordered state police to assume control of the area. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Family alleges the facility failed to provide vital medical care to Lopez‑Cornejo, who had high blood pressure, diabetes and epilepsy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka were arrested during May protests at the facility. (corroborated by 2 sources) - More than 50 people have died in ICE custody nationwide since January 2021. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-20: Colorado sues GEO Group over tuberculosis case at ICE facility Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is suing The GEO Group for refusing to comply with public health orders following a confirmed tuberculosis case at an ICE detention center in Aurora. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-sues-geo-group-over-tuberculosis-case-at-ice-facility ### 2026-08-14: Colorado issues health order over tuberculosis at Aurora detention center Colorado health officials issued a public health order demanding data on tuberculosis cases at an Aurora immigrant detention center operated by the GEO Group for ICE. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-issues-health-order-over-tuberculosis-at-aurora-detention-center ### 2026-08-10: Colorado officials seek access to Aurora detention center amid health concerns Colorado officials are moving to force the GEO Group to allow health investigators into an Aurora detention center following a tuberculosis case, amid conflicting reports of gas leaks. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-officials-seek-access-to-aurora-detention-center-amid-health-concerns ### 2026-08-07: New Jersey investigates ICE detention center over civil rights concerns New Jersey is investigating the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark following three immigrant deaths and allegations of inhumane conditions and medical negligence at the GEO Group-managed facility. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geo-group-faces-new-jersey-civil-rights-probe-and-colorado-lawsuit-over-ice-detention-facilities ### 2026-08-01: GEO Group challenges Colorado law targeting Aurora immigration detention center GEO Group sued Colorado over House Bill 26-1276, claiming the law unfairly targets its Aurora immigration detention center and conflicts with its ICE contract, and is seeking an injunction. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/geo-group-challenges-colorado-law-targeting-aurora-immigration-detention-center ### 2026-07-22: Colorado health officials blocked from TB investigation at Aurora ICE detention center Colorado health officials remain barred from a GEO‑run Aurora ICE detention center, preventing a TB investigation after a confirmed case and alleged additional infections. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-health-officials-blocked-from-tb-investigation-at-aurora-ice-detention-center ### 2026-07-17: Colorado detention center TB case spurs legal demand for investigation Advocates ask Colorado AG to force GEO Group and ICE to let health officials investigate a confirmed tuberculosis case at the Aurora detention center. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-detention-center-tb-case-spurs-legal-demand-for-investigation ### 2026-07-14: TB outbreak at Aurora, Colorado ICE detention center sickens at least 12 detainees A tuberculosis outbreak at an Aurora, Colorado ICE detention center has infected at least 12 detainees, prompted a quarantine of 88 people, and raised concerns over inadequate medical records and poor facility, 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tb-outbreak-at-aurora-colorado-ice-detention-center-sickens-at-least-12-detainees --- Cite as: GEO detention issues: TB outbreak, lawsuits, NJ probe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tb-outbreak-at-colorado-ice-detention-center