Reports from Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark indicate that revenue from its commissary counteracts claims of a hunger strike. Democrats visiting the facility pointed to poor conditions and spoiled food. However, a source involved with Delaney Hall operations contested these statements.
The source reported a significant increase in commissary sales, tripling during the alleged hunger strike period. DHS affirmed this claim, supplying Fox News with revenue data showing detainees continued purchasing large quantities of commissary food.
SEN. ANDY KIM: CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE
Regional outlets such as Gothamist noted that detainees initiated a hunger and labor strike. Following these reports, Senator Andy Kim visited and witnessed a confrontation involving pepper spray between agitators and ICE agents.
Representatives Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson-Coleman echoed similar distress signals. Conversely, the DHS labeled the hunger strike claims as misleading, providing data aligned with the source’s statement. On May 26, Delaney Hall housed 724 detainees, with $11,498 in commissary revenue for the preceding week. Despite a decrease in population to 621 by June 1, commissary sales escalated to over $30,000.
DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY LAUREN BIS: POLITICAL THEATER
Deputy Press Secretary Lauren Bis dismissed the hunger strike as detainees opting for snacks like Honey Buns and Hot Cheetos over their allotted meals. Her superior, Secretary Markwayne Mullin, suggested complaints arose from dissatisfaction with American-style meals. He emphasized that Delaney Hall is not intended as a luxury establishment.
A DHS-provided commissary menu includes items ranging from lotions and birthday cards to summer sausage and Hawaiian Punch.
REP. HERB CONAWAY JR.: ICE SHOULD SHUT DOWN
Characterizations of facility conditions varied, with Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., following his tour with Rep. Donald Norcross, expressing outrage at alleged inhumane conditions but noting no significant issues observed. Rep. Conaway, a physician, emphasized the urgent need for state authorities to conduct a formal facility inspection.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler provided another tour review, criticizing inadequate meal service and accusing the presence of maggot-infested food, claims DHS officials rejected. Nadler highlighted limited medical services and prolonged treatment waits, claims further negated by regular ambulance arrivals at the facility.
These statements from lawmakers about food scarcity and unsanitary conditions clash with the substantial commissary purchases made by detainees during the reported hunger strike.