UMVA has learned that a shocking revelation about the Delaney Hall ICE detention center's commissary may discredit claims of a widespread "hunger strike" among detainees, as revenue figures show a surge in spending during the alleged strike period.
The commissary, where inmates can buy snacks and sundries, reportedly tripled its revenue during the time period characterized by the hunger strike, contradicting claims of dire conditions and food shortages. This new information raises questions about the true nature of the alleged hunger strike.
According to information obtained by UMVA, several lawmakers, including Sen. Andy Kim and Reps. Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson-Coleman, toured the facility and echoed claims of inhumane conditions and rotten food. However, a source familiar with Delaney Hall's operations disputes these claims, citing the commissary's increased revenue.
The Department of Homeland Security has backed up the claim, sharing revenue data that supports the argument that detainees continued purchasing substantial amounts of food from the commissary during the hunger strike period. This data reveals that on May 26, Delaney Hall housed 724 individuals and its commissary took in $11,498 in revenue for the prior week.
As the hunger strike period progressed, commissary revenue shot up week over week. On June 1, the population inside had decreased to 621, but the commissary recorded weekly sales topping $30,000. Despite a 14% drop in detainee population, commissary revenue nearly tripled.
DHS officials suggested that detainees involved in the "strike" were instead eschewing their scheduled meals in exchange for snacks. A DHS spokesperson called the claims a "hoax" and provided data that lined up with what the source familiar had said.
The commissary menu, which includes items like lotions, birthday cards, Cheetos, summer sausage, and Hawaiian Punch, raises questions about the validity of claims that detainees were struggling with food shortages. It appears that detainees were actively purchasing these items, undermining allegations of a hunger strike.
Rep. Herb Conaway Jr., who toured the facility, characterized conditions as inhumane and called for an inspection, but did not witness "major concerns" during his visit. He emphasized the need for state authorities to investigate and review the facility.
In contrast, Rep. Jerrold Nadler alleged that the food was "very sparse" and that inmates eat only at 4 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m., with some food containing maggots. However, ambulances from a local hospital regularly arrived throughout the day, appearing to contradict claims that detainees were not receiving treatment.
The discrepancy between lawmakers' claims and the commissary revenue data raises questions about the true nature of the alleged hunger strike and the conditions at Delaney Hall ICE detention center.
