Over 500 migrants held in ICE detention centres are refusing food and work to denounce violence, inhumane conditions, and deportations

~ Gianni Sartori ~

Although it is not yet possible to determine exactly how many people have been on hunger and work strike for a dozen days in various detention centres (Delaney Hall, Adelanto, Desert View Annex, Prairieland Detention Center, Northwest Detention Center, Torrance County, etc.), there are certainly already more than 500 (300 in Delaney Hall, 120 in Adelanto, etc.). In some centres (partly administered by private agencies like Geo Group), the exact number of people held is not even known. A protest erupted against the shameful conditions they have been subjected to since their seizure by ICE. They lack adequate medical care, are subjected to constant pressure during deportation procedures, are mistreated, and—in the event of protests or disobedience—are subjected to punishments described as “real reprisals.”

What they are demanding first and foremost is the release of vulnerable and sick people, pregnant women, and minors.

They also demand a serious review of immigration protocols and improved health and food conditions. They also demand clarity on the deaths that have occurred in detention (at least fifty according to Detention Watch Network) and the right to communicate with their families and solidarity organizations. Permanent protests are held outside the centers despite police interventions with tear gas and batons. Clashes had already erupted in the final days of last month between protesters and federal agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE). Since the protests began, some centers have been visited by Democratic Party representatives (including New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherril), who also met with family members and solidarity activists.

The protest began with the release of a document signed by approximately 300 seized migrants, followed by a second statement.

For his part, President Trump declared that these facilities are “the best in the world” and that among those held are “terrible murderers.”

This claim has been categorically denied by those who have seen the facilities firsthand. Federal Representative Adriano Espaillat, for example, called the center he visited “an injustice,” noting that he too could “be one of them.” Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Dan Goldman of New York expressed similar indignation.

Machine translation from Osservatorio Repressione