Dozens of detained immigrants who have been hunger striking over harmful conditions at a privately operated prison in Washington state say that they are “for now” halting their protest, after federal immigration officials agreed to make changes, local affiliate KUOW reports.
Local advocates said that more than 80 detained immigrants had been peacefully demonstrating at GEO Group’s Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma since last week, over issues including excessive punishment, inadequate medical care, and poor food quality. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials “have promised to improve conditions,” but demonstrators said they will resume the hunger strike if promises are not kept, KIOW continued. One detainee remains on strike.
"I won't stop until I see results," Jose Hernandez said in the report. "This isn’t just about me, it is about everyone."
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