Man who led Delaney Hall hunger strike released from ICE custody
Martin Soto, who led a movement that drew national attention, was released Tuesday night in the presence of his wife, Gabriela, lawmakers and supporters.
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The man who led the hunger and labor strike at Delaney Hall in Newark has been released after nearly eight months in ICE custody.
Martin Soto, who led a movement that drew national attention, was released Tuesday night in the presence of his wife, Gabriela, lawmakers and supporters.
Initially detained in Newark, Soto was later moved to another detention center in Elizabeth. Supporters believe his transfer was retaliation for initiating the hunger and labor strike in May amid complaints about medical neglect, food quality and unsanitary living conditions at Delaney Hall.
“What this family went through is an injustice that sadly is one example of many across this country,” said Rep. Analilia Mejia following Soto’s release. “But we know that when we fight as a community, when we unite, that we are able to overcome even the worst injustice.”
The hunger strike sparked weeks of protests, some erupting in violence, outside Delaney Hall.
Some lawmakers, including Mejia, continue to call for the closure of Delaney Hall as well as the abolition of ICE.
“ICE remains out of control in our state and we must continue to oppose its rampant abuses,” Rep. Nelli Pou said in a statement late Tuesday night.
In a statement to News 12 in May, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security denied any mistreatment or neglect of immigrants being held at Delaney Hall.
“All detainees are provided with three meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, and toiletries. Illegal aliens also have access to phones to communicate with their family members and lawyers. Certified dieticians evaluate meals. In fact, ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens,” DHS said. “It is a longstanding practice to provide comprehensive medical care from the moment an alien enters ICE custody. This includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care. For many illegal aliens this is the best healthcare they have received their entire lives.”
Following Soto’s release Tuesday night, Rep. Rob Menendez spoke outside the Elizabeth facility along with Mejia, calling Soto’s release “long overdue.”
“This is just a small justice in a sea of injustice,” Menendez said.
A brief press conference outside the Elizabeth facility ended with chants of “free them all” and “abolish ICE.”
