Delaney Hall has been the site of sustained resistance since late May 2026. Detainees launched a hunger and labor strike after months of documented medical neglect, lack of air conditioning, contaminated food and water, and abusive guard treatment. Their demands are straightforward: the immediate release of the elderly, the young, and those with serious medical conditions.
Congress members who visited the facility described dire conditions, with detainees reporting small food portions often containing maggots. The strike is now entering its sixth day. Organizers have issued clear demands and called for outside support. In response, ICE transferred Martin Soto, a key strike leader, to the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility. His wife, Gabriela Soto, stated that communication was initially blocked. Soto now faces federal assault charges that advocates describe as retaliatory. He had been in ICE custody since February with no prior criminal charges.
Protesters outside the facility have been battered, brutalized and pepper sprayed. No one is safe at one point Rep Kim did his best to deescalate and his efforts were met with the same brutality. Let that sink in our elected officials are being attacked by federal agents. As of now Six people have been arrested. The facility has suspended visits. The hunger strike continues inside.