By Hannah Saunders
This Saturday, August 15, La Resistencia is hosting Solidarity Day at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, located at 1623 East J. Street from 1-3 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend the event and learn how to support people who are trapped inside the NWDC, and how to fight for their rights. Since August 12, over 140 immigrants who are being detained have been on a hunger strike to demand humane treatment, and their demands have yet to be met by ICE or the GEO Group.
“We want freedom! We demand to be treated like human beings. They are killing us,” one person being detained at the NWDC said on August 13.
The hunger strike, which marks the 20th one at the immigration camp, came after over 70 people went almost 24 hours without food. People with illnesses, including diabetics, are in urgent need of medicine to stay alive. One person with diabetes said he is experiencing shaking everyday and has no help. Furthermore, at least two people have had dislocated bones and have gone without medical care for months.
Since going on this hunger strike, people who are being detained have missed at least six meals, and the food they are provided inside the NWDC would not even be given to a dog, according to La Resistencia. Food portions have been reduced, and there is also a lack of basic necessities, like toilet paper.
La Resistencia has reported that a third unit may have joined the hunger strike. Many trapped inside the NWDC entered without having a strong bill of health, and these inhumane conditions and the treatment they are subjected to only rapidly worsen their existing conditions.
People are encouraged to contact elected officials to apply pressure and demand humane treatment, as well as the GEO Group facility’s main telephone line at (253)779-6000. Contact Congresswoman Emily Randall at (360)373-9725 or Randall.house.gov/contact/email-me. Contact Senator Patty Murray at (253)572-3636 or Murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme. Reach out to Senator Maria Cantwell at (253)572-2281 or Cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email.
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