ICE detainees in Newark hold hunger strike, sparking legal and political clashes
5 verified5 unconfirmed
Hundreds of detainees at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, have been on a hunger and labor strike for nearly two weeks to protest conditions. The facility is operated by the GEO Group under a federal contract. Protests outside the facility have led to clashes with law enforcement, including ICE agents and state police. New Jersey health inspectors were denied full access to the facility, prompting the state to file a lawsuit seeking a court order for complete inspection. Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for de-escalation. Meanwhile, local officials including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka have sought to close the facility through legal action. The strikes and protests have drawn attention to conditions at privately-run immigration detention centers.
What’s verified
Hundreds of detainees at Delaney Hall have engaged in a hunger and labor strike for nearly two weeks.
The facility is operated by the GEO Group under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Protesters outside the facility have been met with crowd control measures by ICE agents and state police.
New Jersey health inspectors were denied full access, leading to a state lawsuit seeking a court order for complete inspection.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for de-escalation of the situation.
Not yet confirmed
Specific demands of the hunger strikers, including a meeting with the governor, were reported by only one source.
Allegations of a detained person experiencing a miscarriage without medical attention were reported by only one source.
Details about hunger strikes at other ICE facilities in California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania were reported by only one source.
The exact number of detainees participating in the strike (approximately 300) was reported by only one source.
The city of Newark’s establishment of a curfew and expansion of its lawsuit were reported by only one source.
Misconceptions
ICE issued a statement in one source dismissing allegations of substandard conditions as a “hoax” and asserting that detainees are provided with three meals a day, clean water, and other necessities. The same source noted that GEO Group stated its services are monitored by ICE and other agencies.
Key figures
Ras Baraka (Mayor of Newark)
Mikie Sherrill (Governor of New Jersey)
GEO Group (private prison operator)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Sources: stateline.org, motherjones.com
