Immigrants end New Jersey protest amid fears of retaliation, activists say

Immigrants on a hunger strike at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey have ended their protest, citing disciplinary measures and intimidation tactics employed by security guards. The detainees have resumed eating and working without their core demands for improved conditions being addressed.

The hunger strike, which began on May 22, aimed to secure better food and medical care, an end to mistreatment, access to potable water, and the release of sick individuals and minors. During the protest, clashes occurred between supporters outside the facility and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Delaney Hall is the largest immigrant detention center on the U.S. East Coast, with a capacity of 1,196 individuals.

Sally Pillay of the organization Eyes on ICE stated that the "intimidation tactics and disciplinary consequences, such as solitary confinement," led the detainees to return to their routines. Over 300 immigrants participated in the strike, though some were transferred to facilities in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Texas, California, Arizona, and Colorado, reportedly to disrupt the protest and isolate detainees from their support networks.

Delaney Hall has reinstated visits, but with restrictions: twice weekly for 30 minutes, only for pre-approved direct family members. Activists also reported that detainees are being prevented from speaking with members of Congress during oversight visits unless they waive their right to privacy by signing a form available only in English.

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Due to the intimidation tactics and the disciplinary consequences that it means for people to be put in isolation, they have now resorted to returning to their jobs and to eating.