TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - Three immigrants remained under medical observation Friday as they continued a hunger strike that began a week ago at the Northwest Detention Center, federal officials said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that all others who participated in the protest have eaten and have been cleared by medical officials.
U.S. Rep. Adam Smith said he and U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene have asked for answers from ICE and detention center officials about detainees’ concerns. The strike began March 7 with hundreds of participants refusing to eat to call for better treatment and an end to deportations.
Smith said he has received some answers. But he still awaits a formal response on many questions, including the process for posting bond, detention length and nutrition standards, The Seattle Times reported (https://is.gd/8vUQWJ).
ICE has said it’s working to address detainees’ concerns.
The immigrants who remain on strike ate a few bites of food Thursday, but they remain under watch because of how long they have gone without nutrition.
Immigrant-rights activists said Friday that one of the participants indicated that he’ll continue the hunger strike until it’s no longer necessary.
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