‘We are not criminals’: protests erupt as hunger strike rocks New Jersey ICE jail
A day after ICE officials pepper-spray senator, tensions ramp up outside facility on fifth day of hunger and labor strike
TL;DR
- Protesters clashed with federal officers outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in New Jersey, leading to the use of pepper spray and tasers.
- Detainees inside the facility are on a five-day hunger and labor strike, demanding better living conditions and expedited immigration cases.
- Activists and some released detainees confirm the strike, contradicting official denials from the Department of Homeland Security.
- The facility is operated by The Geo Group, a private prison company, with detainees reporting issues such as inedible food, poor ventilation, and delayed medical care.
- Politicians, including Senator Andy Kim, have visited and reported inhumane conditions, while DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin accused them of political stunts.
- Violence erupted Tuesday night when a protester threw an object at ICE officers, leading to chemical spray and a physical altercation where one protester was tased and detained.