# ICE detention protest and release of Martin Soto > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ice-detention-protest-and-release-of-martin-soto > Updated: 2026-10-09T21:01:35.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Martin Soto, a Peruvian immigrant, has been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following an order from U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper, who ruled that Soto’s continued detention was illegal. Soto had been detained for over eight months. His case drew significant attention due to his role in organizing a labor and hunger strike at the Delaney Hall detention center in New Jersey. The strike, involving approximately 300 detainees, was a protest against conditions described as inhumane, including food shortages, medical neglect, and lack of potable water. Following the protests, Soto was reportedly transferred to the Elizabeth Detention Center, where he spent four months in solitary confinement. His legal team raised concerns regarding his mental health and the risk of self-harm during his period of restrictive housing. His attorney, Selenia DeStefani, has filed for a U visa on his behalf, citing his status as a victim of crimes including involuntary servitude and obstruction of justice. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-09: Martin Soto released from ICE custody after eight-month detention A federal judge ordered the release of Martin Soto from ICE custody after eight months of detention, including periods of solitary confinement and allegations of poor facility conditions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martin-soto-released-from-ice-custody-after-eight-month-detention ### 2026-10-07: Martin Soto released from ICE detention after leading New Jersey facility strike Peruvian immigrant Martin Soto has been released from ICE detention following a federal judge's order regarding his mental health and the conditions of his confinement at New Jersey's Delaney Hall. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martin-soto-released-from-ice-detention-after-leading-new-jersey-facility-strike --- Cite as: ICE detention protest and release of Martin Soto. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ice-detention-protest-and-release-of-martin-soto