Protests continue outside Delaney Hall as detainee hunger strike enters fifth day
Demonstrators gathered outside the facility in support of detainees who say they are protesting what they describe as inhumane conditions, including a lack of medical care.
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Protests continued Monday outside Delaney Hall in Newark as a hunger and labor strike inside the immigration detention facility entered its fifth day.
Demonstrators gathered outside the facility in support of detainees who say they are protesting what they describe as inhumane conditions, including a lack of medical care. Protesters are also calling on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to visit the facility and meet with detainees.
“We have a letter, we spoke out, no one did anything. We’re being ignored, so we are going to go on strike,” said Catalina Adorno, with the organization Cosecha NJ.
Advocates say detainees have two main demands: for Gov. Sherrill to enter the facility and for the release of younger detainees, older adults and people with medical conditions.
Gov. Sherrill attempted to visit Delaney Hall on Sunday morning but was denied entry. On Monday, some protesters expressed frustration, saying they believed the governor should have pushed harder to get inside.
“I also think it’s disappointing that she didn’t try harder to get inside,” Adorno said. “If she wasn’t let in yesterday, then come back again today.”
Jose Veras, who was recently released after spending 40 days inside Delaney Hall, said the strike was necessary.
"We went hungry for a purpose," Veras said.
“We know there are people with serious illnesses inside who have no access to medicine and detainees found worms in their food last week," Adorno added.
In a statement, ICE denied the allegations, saying detainees receive three meals a day, basic necessities and access to medical care.
Gabriela Soto, whose husband Martin Soto was among the detainees who began the strike before being transferred to the Elizabeth Detention Center, said she was devastated after seeing him.
“He had red, purple and black bruises on his wrists, arms and legs,” Soto said.
Volunteers with Cosecha say about 300 detainees are participating in the strike and that it will continue until their demands are met
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim was hit with pepper spray during protests over the weekend.
