Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published by Josefina Mora-Cheung from the La Resistencia in a press release on November 6, 2026.
Members of Union of Kidnapped by ICE face retaliation for their protest against inhumane conditions
TACOMA, WA – Six members of the Union of Kidnapped by ICE (USI) entered day 4, or 11 missed meals, of the 22nd hunger strike of 2026 inside the now infamous Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The strikers demand to have their rights to due process respected, and they are protesting abuse and conditions people face in the NWDC and all detention centers. The strikers call for a shut down to all detention centers and an abolishing of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Advocates at La Resistencia spoke with strikers again on November 6th, who shared that USI members continue to refuse meals. The strikers reported that they spoke with a GEO Group, operator of NWDC, investigator, who threatened strikers with sending them to solitary confinement if they continue their strike. Promises were made to contact ICE and ask them to speak with strikers. Strikers reported that conditions that they began their strike to protest continue, such as a foul odor emitting from the facilities’ ventilation system, which impacts their health. One member of USI shared, “We feel terrible, they don’t allow us to express ourselves freely. A change is needed and we are thankful for [La Resistencia’s] support.”
Groups like La Resistencia have documented the inhumane conditions reported by people detained at NWDC for years, such as inedible food and foreign objects such as rodent feces in food, lack of hygiene and sanitation amongst much more. La Resistencia has sounded the alarm this year that 2026 has been a record breaking year for hunger strikes inside NWDC, signaling the emergency conditions that people in detention are facing. Nationwide, hunger strikes inside detention centers continue to grow.
La Resistencia supports the strikers’ demands and continues demanding the permanent closure of the NWDC and the liberation of all inside. La Resistencia will hold a vigil outside NWDC at 6pm today in solidarity with the strikers.
La Resistencia is a grassroots organization in Washington state led by undocumented people in solidarity with detainees at Northwest Detention Center.
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