U.S NewsThe GuardianSat, Jun 6, 2026, 4:00 PMNegative

‘It’s like they’re kidnapped there’: families tell of distress over ‘inhumane’ ICE jail

Families of detainees at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, are expressing deep concern for their loved ones' wellbeing as detainees engage in a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. Elder Guerra, a Guatemalan immigrant, has been detained for nearly five months after being arrested by ICE while assisting a friend. Reports indicate that the facility's conditions have led to significant distress among families and detainees alike.

‘It’s like they’re kidnapped there’: families tell of distress over ‘inhumane’ ICE jail

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    Families of detainees at Delaney Hall, an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, are expressing deep concern for their loved ones' wellbeing as detainees engage in a hunger strike to protest inhumane conditions. Elder Guerra, a Guatemalan immigrant, has been detained for nearly five months after being arrested by ICE while assisting a friend. Reports indicate that the facility's conditions have led to significant distress among families and detainees alike.

  • Why It Matters

    The situation at Delaney Hall highlights the ongoing issues surrounding immigration detention practices in the U.S., particularly the treatment of individuals held under ICE custody. The hunger strike and subsequent protests have drawn attention from lawmakers and activists, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who have called for the facility's closure due to allegations of poor treatment and inadequate medical care.

  • The Bigger Picture

    This incident reflects broader debates about immigration enforcement and the conditions within detention centers across the country. Protests have intensified, with demonstrators clashing with federal agents, indicating a growing public outcry against the perceived inhumane treatment of detainees. The situation at Delaney Hall is emblematic of a larger movement advocating for the rights of immigrants and the need for reform in the U.S. immigration system.

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