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Congressman Espaillat Denounces Alleged Chemical Agent Use and Injuries at U.S. Detention Center
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

Congressman Espaillat Denounces Alleged Chemical Agent Use and Injuries at U.S. Detention Center

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat reported deeply disturbing allegations of chemical agent use at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey.
  • Over 300 immigrants at the facility are on a hunger and work strike, protesting inhumane conditions.
  • Espaillat has demanded an immediate investigation into the use of chemical agents, alleged assaults, and inadequate medical responses.

Adriano Espaillat, chairman of the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has voiced grave concerns over deeply disturbing reports of chemical agents being deployed within the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey. The allegations surfaced as more than 300 immigrants held at the facility commenced a hunger and work strike to protest what they describe as inhumane living conditions.

"The reports coming out of Delaney Hall today are deeply disturbing," Espaillat stated in a press release, demanding an "immediate investigation" into the events. Since the strike began last Friday, activists and supporters have maintained a continuous vigil outside Delaney Hall. Reports indicate that detainees were allegedly assaulted and sprayed with tear gas, leading to injuries such as bleeding and difficulty breathing, according to Eyes on ICE president Kathy O'Leary, as cited by nj.com.

The reports coming out of Delaney Hall today are deeply disturbing.

— Adriano EspaillatIn a statement demanding an immediate investigation into alleged chemical agent use and detainee mistreatment at the Delaney Hall detention center.

Espaillat was among several members of Congress who visited the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Wednesday. Delaney Hall, the largest ICE detention center on the East Coast, is managed by GEO Group under a 15-year, $1 billion contract. During his visit, Espaillat met with striking immigrant men and women who presented him with a list of grievances.

The accusations that, just hours after said visit, chemical agents may have been used within the housing units, detainees were injured, and the medical response was inadequate, require immediate clarification and investigation.

— Adriano EspaillatCommenting on the allegations following his visit to the detention center.

"The accusations that, just hours after said visit, chemical agents may have been used within the housing units, detainees were injured, and the medical response was inadequate, require immediate clarification and investigation," Espaillat asserted. The Dominican-American congressman demanded prompt medical evaluations for all affected individuals, "full accountability for what occurred, and the preservation of all pertinent records, including videos and incident reports."

Espaillat emphasized that these allegations must be investigated without delay, and accountability will be sought for any violations of regulations. The situation at Delaney Hall highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants in U.S. detention centers and the conditions they face.

These allegations must be investigated without delay and accountability will be sought in cases where regulations have been violated.

— Adriano EspaillatInsisting on a swift investigation and consequences for any wrongdoing at Delaney Hall.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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