Women Inside Delaney Hall Say They’re Still On Strike
On May 22, more than 300 people detained at the facility launched a hunger and labor strike over what they described as abusive and unsafe conditions. Since then, detainees and advocates report retaliation including threats of deportation, physical abuse, restricted communication with family, and loss of visitation rights.
In recent days, those tactics have intensified. Nearly 300 detainees were transferred out over the weekend, followed by another reported 80 people removed from their units this week. Advocates say the transfers are designed to break up organizing efforts and isolate detainees from support systems. While some individuals have been released, hundreds more have been moved out — some have been confirmed to be involved in the strike but it’s unclear how many.
Conflicting reports from detainees and organizers both inside and outside of the facility claimed the strike had been effectively crushed.
But on June 10, women still inside Delaney Hall announced they are continuing the resistance — launching their own hunger/labor strike and issuing new demands.
“We are mothers, daughters, sisters. We are here to demand justice.”
They are demanding restored communication and visitation, independent investigations into abuse allegations, improved medical care, safer conditions, and the release of detained women — especially those who are young, medically vulnerable, or mothers.
A press conference is scheduled for today, June 11, outside Delaney Hall, where families, organizers, and community leaders will speak out as concerns grow over medical neglect, labor exploitation, unsafe infrastructure, and allegations of sexual abuse.
Despite transfers, threats, and restrictions, detainees inside say the strike is not over.