More than 300 immigrants detained at the Delaney Hall facility in New Jersey ended a hunger strike that had begun on May 22, according to immigrant advocacy groups. Activists say the protest ended not because their demands were met, but out of fear of reprisals, isolation, and disciplinary measures within the center.
Delaney Hall, operated by the Geo Group, is considered the largest immigration detention center on the U.S. East Coast, with a capacity of more than 1,100 people. For nearly a month, detained men and women took part in the protest to demand better conditions, including access to drinking water, adequate medical care, better food, an end to mistreatment, and the release of sick detainees and minors.
Hunger Strike Ends at Delaney Hall
Firsthand accounts of the brutality being inflicted on the media and protesters at the Delaney Hall ICE Facility pic.twitter.com/36iBJGo7aH
— CantStopPoppin (@CantStopPoppin) June 23, 2026
According to activists from Eyes on ICE, detainees have reportedly resumed eating and performing chores inside the center due to alleged intimidation tactics employed by security guards.
Sally Pillay, a member of the organization, told the New Jersey Monitor that solitary confinement and other disciplinary measures led the immigrants to end the strike without their demands being met.
Tensions were also reported outside the center during the protest, where support groups held a round-the-clock vigil.
Incidents between protesters and ICE agents drew national attention, especially amid other protests against the presence of immigration agents in various cities across the country.
Another issue of concern to the organizations is the transfer of several detainees to facilities located in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Texas, California, Arizona, and Colorado.
Activists claim that these actions make it difficult to contact lawyers, family members, and support networks, leaving many people in an even more vulnerable situation.
Although Delaney Hall has resumed visits, they are still subject to restrictions.
According to the activists, visits are allowed only in certain units, twice a week for 30 minutes, and only for immediate family members who have been pre-approved.
On Father’s Day, about 80 people came to visit their loved ones, but about 30 were unable to enter.
It was also reported that some detainees have been unable to speak with members of Congress during oversight visits due to requirements that include signing privacy documents in English.
Amy Torres, executive director of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, warned that some families do not know where their loved ones are following the transfers.
For activists, the Delaney Hall case continues to highlight serious concerns about immigration detention conditions in the United States.
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