ICE detainees at Delaney Hall (Newark, NJ) enter sixth day of hunger strike; lead organizer transferred in apparent defiance of federal court order
About 300 detainees at Delaney Hall \u2014 a 1,000-bed privately-run ICE facility operated by GEO Group in Newark \u2014 began a hunger and labor strike on Friday, May 22, 2026, protesting expired and worm-infested food, denial of medical care for patients with cancer/diabetes/depression, denial of toilet paper, and abusive guards. On May 24, ICE transferred lead organizer Martin Soto to the Elizabeth Detention Center despite a federal judge's ruling barring his relocation while his habeas petition is pending. Federal agents have deployed pepper spray, pepper balls, and tear gas against demonstrators outside; three protesters arrested. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Sen. Andy Kim, and Reps. Robert Menendez, Nellie Pou, and LaMonica McIver-Mejia conducted oversight inspections; some were denied access. Detainees report being threatened with deportation to Ebola-affected countries and loss of family visitation if they continue striking. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin denies the strike is occurring and has floated travel restrictions on sanctuary cities in retaliation.
Evidence
6 sources- 01https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/25/us/new-jersey-ice-facility-protests
CNN
trust 0.78“More than 300 detainees initiated a hunger and labor strike on Friday to highlight alleged inhumane conditions; DHS denies the strike exists.”
- 02https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/expired-food-neglected-medical-care-hunger-strike-allegations-fuel-pro-rcna346874
NBC News
trust 0.80“Detainees received expired meals and food infested with worms; some placed in solitary confinement or transferred after joining the strike.”
- 03https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/25/new-jersey-ice-immigration-protest
The Guardian
trust 0.82“ICE transferred Martin Soto to Elizabeth Detention Facility despite a federal judge's ruling prohibiting the move while his habeas petition is pending.”
- 04https://www.democracynow.org/2026/5/26/headlines
Democracy Now!
trust 0.78“Senator Kim and Rep. Menendez described filthy bathrooms, abusive guards, and inadequate medical care; detainees threatened with deportation to Ebola-stricken countries.”
- 05https://abc7ny.com/post/protesters-clash-ice-agents-during-protest-delaney-hall-newark-amid-hunger-strike-inside/19179424/
ABC News
trust 0.78“Hundreds of detainees have been on hunger strike since Friday; protesters have been pepper-sprayed and three arrested. DHS Secretary Mullin floats travel restrictions on sanctuary cities.”
- 06https://www.nj.com/essex/2026/05/there-is-no-hunger-strike-trump-officials-deny-that-detainees-at-nj-ice-facility-are-refusing-food.html
NJ.com
trust 0.75“DHS denies the strike, asserts detention is 'a choice'; detainees and advocates report the strike covers ~300 individuals.”