Overview
- Organizers and multiple outlets say roughly 300 detainees launched a hunger and labor strike on Friday to protest spoiled food, lack of medical care, crowded non‑air‑conditioned rooms and delays in immigration hearings.
- Hundreds of protesters gathered over the Memorial Day weekend and blocked entrances as masked ICE agents clashed with demonstrators, with video and witnesses showing use of pepper spray and pepper balls during attempts to clear barricades.
- Protesters tried to stop the transfer of detainee Martin Alonso Soto Hernandez, who was moved overnight to the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility and was later seen by his attorneys who said he appeared severely underweight.
- The Department of Homeland Security and GEO Group have denied there is a hunger strike or substandard conditions and say visitation was suspended for safety, while some members of Congress were allowed limited oversight visits and Gov. Mikie Sherrill reported being denied entry.
- Delaney Hall reopened under a long GEO Group contract in 2025 and has faced local lawsuits and prior unrest, and the current confrontation is driving renewed calls from elected officials and advocates for federal investigations and closure of the privatized facility.