Otay Mesa Detention Center, San Diego, California
April 3 – (end date unknown)
At least 12 detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Facility organized a hunger strike to demand an effective response to Covid-19.
The National Immigrant Justice Center released a press release on the strike, which included statements from participants.
Hunger strikers at the facility released a collective audio statement, which was featured on the Perilous Chronicle podcast.
Citations:
“6 Detainees, 5 Employees Test Positive For Coronavirus At Otay Mesa Detention Center“, KPBS, April 7, 2020.
“Federal Government Must Release Immigrants Trapped In Deteriorating Conditions at San Diego Federal Detention Facilities During COVID-19 Pandemic,” National Immigrant Justice Center, April 9, 2020.
“Fear Among Immigrant Detainees Spreads As Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit ICE Detention Centers“, BuzzFeed News, April 10, 2020.
“COVID-19 concerns prompt hunger strikes, protests inside Otay Mesa Detention Center,” San Diego Union Tribune, April 17, 2020.
“Immigration Detainees Launch Hunger Strike As Outbreak Grows At Otay Mesa Detention Center“, KPBS, April 17, 2020.
“Advocates say hundreds of immigrants detained in California are on hunger strike. ICE says only two“, Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2020.
Article posted: 4/29/2020
Header Photo Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
