Homeland Security Challenges Claims of Hunger Strike at New Jersey Facility
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has addressed and refuted claims made by some Democrats regarding a supposed “hunger strike” by illegal immigrant inmates at the Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey. According to DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has “higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that house actual Americans.”
On Memorial Day, several members of the New Jersey Democratic Party expressed outrage over the conditions at Delaney Hall, spreading misinformation in the process. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) described the situation as “deplorable” and accused the detainees of engaging in a hunger strike “fighting for human rights.”
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) echoed similar sentiments, claiming that detainees were “protesting a lack of due process, disgusting food, and poor treatment,” while their families and advocates sought help outside the facility. This notion was supported by other Democratic figures as well.
However, the DHS firmly disputed these assertions. They clarified that no hunger strikes are occurring at the facility and that detainees receive necessary medical care, alongside clean water, clothing, bedding, and three meals each day.
DHS emphasized, “Illegal aliens have access to phones for contacting family and attorneys, and their diets are evaluated by certified dietitians. In fact, ICE’s detention standards exceed those of many U.S. prisons.” They asserted that the medical attention provided is often the best these individuals have encountered in their lives.
Acting Assistant Secretary of State Lauren Biss labeled the situation a political stunt by New Jersey’s sanctuary politicians, suggesting it was done for clicks and funding. Following protests led by Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) and others outside the facility on Monday, she stated, “There will be no hunger strikes at Delaney Hall, nor will there be substandard conditions or abuse.” Biss urged politicians to recognize ICE’s role in removing dangerous individuals like murderers and drug traffickers from their communities.
She added, “These sanctuary politicians should cooperate with us in eliminating these criminals from the state.” According to her, the negative discourse surrounding the issue has contributed to a significant increase in assaults on police officers.
DHS also released information about various criminal illegal aliens who had been taken off the streets by ICE, including José de la O Raines and Juan Vázquez Reyes, both with murder convictions, alongside Jean Martínez Valverde, who has committed sex crimes against children.
