HUDSON COUNTY – The Hudson County Correctional & Rehabilitation Facility was in lockdown today for an undisclosed amount of time.

First Friends of NJ & NY first reported the lockdown and two cases of inmates testing positive for COVID-19. Speaking with officers on-site, #EyesOnNJ News confirmed the lockdown. When asked how long the lockdown has been in effect, our journalist was shown the exit.

Earlier today, a motorcade protest, titled “Drive To Save Lives” consisting of 60+ vehicles circled the Hudson County Jail with motorists honking horns and flashing signs to raise awareness on I.C.E. detainees who could catch the coronavirus held inside the complex.

The motorcade began about 2:00PM and was escorted off the Kearny Peninsula about 3:15PM. Cars were observed with writing of “Free Them Now”, “Let Them Go” & “Death Camps.”

Stacey Gregg, a state-wide activist, livestreamed the motorcade in it’s entirety.

#EyesOnNJ News attempted to reach out to the Hudson County Correctional Facility via telephone to multiple department extensions to be met with endless rings. Upon visiting the complex, John was invited onto the property to confirm the state of lockdown. John was instructed to park in the visitor lot and walk to the lobby.

Upon entering the lobby, John expressed his inquiry and was advised to take a seat. Moments later, Lt. Albujal of the Hudson County Correctional Facility advised John to leave. When repeatedly asked about the status of the lockdown, Lt. Albujal instructed John that there were no visiting hours today. John advised the Lt. he was not visiting anyone but merely verifying a lead. Albujal repeatedly advised John to leave the property. John inquired if he would be arrested. Albujal responded “If you don’t leave, you could.”

Aerial shot by Apple Maps: Black perimeter: Hudson County Jail property. Blue dot: film location elected by #EyesOnNJ News

#EyesOnNJ promptly departed the property and elected a new location to film the broadcast. Property security observed #EyesOnNJ filming on multiple occasions and did not intervene or interrupt. After filming the segment featured above, a corrections officer observed #EyesOnNJ filming off-site and quickly drove by and disappeared. While packing up, #EyesOnNJ was stopped by the same Hudson County Corrections Officer who asked John if he had permission to film. John responded by claiming he wasn’t aware he was still on the prison property. The officer advised John he was on private property and had no permission to be there and ordered John to leave the private property.

Personal Note from John:

“Due to the fact of the state of a global viral pandemic, I can understand that tensions are high amongst law enforcement. Especially those working inside a prison with confirmed cases of the virus. While i do believe I had valid reasons to make rebuttal to some of the challenging statements made by the correctional officers today, I opted not to for the sake of giving officers more time to deal with internal prison complex issues.”