TACOMA, Wash. — Nine people held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma have joined in a hunger strike to protest what they say are unclean conditions amid worries about a COVID spread.
The strike began last week, according to the group La Resistencia.
The facility is among the largest immigration detention centers in the U.S.
It’s operated by the for-profit GEO Group in partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The hunger strikers want better cleaning, more nutritious food, better access to medical services and jobs that pay a minimum wage.
In a statement, GEO said it has taken steps to mitigate COVID risks through cleaning, social distancing and testing.
More news from KIRO 7
- Man arrested in connection with murder of 24-year-old Tacoma mother
- Watch out, gardeners: Invasive jumping worms reported in 34 states
- Nearly 6,000 without power around Puget Sound
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
©2022 Cox Media Group
