Immigrants at Georgia ICE facility launch mass hunger strike

Detainees at the Folkston D. Ray James ICE Processing Center in southeast Georgia have launched a mass hunger strike to protest prolonged detention and substandard living conditions. Advocates estimate at least 73 immigrants are participating in the protest at the facility, which is operated by the private prison company GEO Group under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In an open letter and video, detainees—including asylum seekers from Russia, China, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Nepal—requested release while their legal cases proceed. They reported being held for periods ranging from 16 months to nearly three years. The detainees' allegations include inadequate medical and dental care, spoiled food, cramped living quarters, lack of access to sunlight, and hostile behavior from correctional officers.

The protest reportedly coincided with a scheduled inspection of the facility. One organizer, Idris Makhmudov, has reportedly been placed in solitary confinement following the start of the strike.