At least 20 immigrants at the Desert View Annex in Adelanto launched a hunger strike to protest conditions at the facility. The annex is next to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center, where previous hunger strikes occurred and where four people died since it reopened last year. The annex has a bed capacity of 750 and holds more than 400 detainees. Activists said the hunger strike began Tuesday and demanded removal of mold, improved drinking water, and timely medical care for people with chronic health conditions. The detainees also carried out an economic boycott, alleging reduced food portions that force purchases from the commissary. Geo Group previously stated its facilities comply with federal detention standards monitored by federal agencies.
"At least 20 immigrants are taking part in the hunger strike at the Desert View Annex, next door to the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement Processing Center, where previous hunger strikes have occurred and where four people have died since it reopened last year. The annex has a bed capacity of 750 and is holding more than 400 detainees, according to state officials."
"The coalition said the strike began Tuesday and read a statement from the strikers, who demanded that Geo Group Inc., the owner and operator of the facility, remove mold, improve drinking water and provide timely medical care to people with chronic health conditions. The protesters also alleged that food rations had been reduced at the facility, forcing them to purchase costly items at the commissary."
"The group said it would stop purchasing food as part of an economic boycott. A spokesperson for Geo Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company, however, has told The Times in the past that its facilities comply with federal detention standards monitored by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security."
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