Hunger Strike at ICE Facility Draws Condemnation
Homeland Security Secretary Mark Wayne Mullin spoke out on Wednesday against detainees at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New Jersey, who started a hunger strike over the weekend. The detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark have reportedly been protesting for better conditions.
Starting Friday, hundreds of individuals have refrained from eating, citing poor treatment at the detention facility, according to reports. In a cabinet meeting, Mullin noted that those on hunger strike are illegal immigrants, suggesting they could return to their home countries for food if they’re unhappy with what’s provided. “This is not a Holiday Inn,” he remarked.
Mullin further criticized what he described as the Democratic Party’s priorities, particularly mentioning their protests at facilities housing serious offenders. He pointed out that claims of hunger striking are mainly from a few individuals who wanted specific types of food. “Well, they can get their favorite food back in their own countries,” he added.
He went on to state that the facility provides adequate nutrition and sanitation. “We’re giving them the calories they need,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reiterated on Monday that all detainees in New Jersey’s ICE facilities receive “three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and toiletries.” They claimed that the standards at ICE facilities are actually higher than those in many U.S. prisons that house citizens.
In connection with the hunger strike, Democratic New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed that she reached out to federal immigration officials to request access to Delaney Hall.
Additionally, reports emerged that Democratic Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey was allegedly pepper-sprayed by ICE agents during a protest outside the detention center. On social media, Kim urged against dishonesty regarding the conditions within the facility, stating he had witnessed the situation at Delaney Hall firsthand and deemed it unacceptable.
