Hundreds of immigrants detained at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, are conducting a hunger and labor strike [1].
The protest highlights severe humanitarian concerns within the U.S. immigration detention system. By refusing to work and eat, the detainees are drawing international attention to the legal and physical conditions of those held in federal custody.
The strike has been ongoing for nearly two weeks [1]. Detained individuals said the conditions inside the facility are horrible, citing issues such as overcrowding and inadequate medical care [1], [2], [3].
Reports from the facility describe food safety failures, including the presence of maggots in spoiled meals [1], [2]. The labor strike specifically targets the compensation provided to those working within the center. Detainees are reportedly paid about $1 per day for their work [1].
Family members and community supporters have gathered to demand the release of those they described as innocent people [3]. These supporters said the combination of poor sanitation, and minimal pay creates an untenable environment for the hundreds of people held at the site [1].
The protesters are calling for the immediate release of detainees and a total overhaul of the living conditions at Delaney Hall [1], [2].
“Hundreds of immigrants detained at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark, New Jersey, are conducting a hunger and labor strike”
The strike at Delaney Hall underscores a growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and humanitarian standards. By combining a hunger strike with a labor strike, detainees are leveraging both their physical well-being and the facility's operational needs to pressure the government for systemic changes and individual releases.
