Hunger strike at Georgia detention center enters second week after organizer deported

Individuals detained at the Folkston D. Ray James ICE Processing Facility in Southeast Georgia have been participating in a hunger strike beginning October 6, 2026, as a compassionate stand against extended detentions and inadequate living circumstances. 

This meaningful protest emerged after 45 detained men courageously shared a letter expressing their deep concerns, inspiring supportive actions including a 24-hour solidarity hunger strike by compassionate demonstrators gathered outside the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta.

The hunger strike was initiated by a group of asylum seekers from nations including Russia, China, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Nepal. Many have endured detention at the facility for over a year—with some held for nearly three years—while their asylum cases remain unresolved, creating profound uncertainty.

According to reports and letters shared by the detainees, the strike addresses several deeply concerning issues. Detainees express the emotional and psychological burden of indefinite detention without clarity about when their cases might be resolved.

Accounts describe being offered spoiled or insufficient food that causes distress and illness, restricted access to fresh air or natural sunlight, and unsanitary living spaces. Striking individuals report severely limited medical care, noting that some individuals experiencing serious health conditions lack adequate treatment.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that they are actively monitoring the situation and confirmed that 13 individuals are officially participating in the hunger strike, though immigrant advocacy groups report that participation reached approximately 500 individuals at its peak. The facility is operated by GEO Group, a private prison contractor, which deferred all formal statements to ICE.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disputed the allegations of inadequate conditions, asserting that all detainees receive proper meals, clean water, blankets, medical treatment, and communication access.

We understand the deep concerns that advocacy organizations, including the Campaign to Shut Down Folkston ICE Processing Center, are raising as they persistently call for the liberation of asylum seekers and an end to what they describe as retaliatory actions by guards. 

Tragically, shortly after the strike commenced, legal representatives shared the heartbreaking news that Idris Makhmudov, who had courageously authored and been the first to sign the protest letter, was deported to Russia.

While this was happening, a compassionate group of protesters assembled outside the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on October 18, 2026, participated in a meaningful 24-hour solidarity hunger strike.

This heartfelt demonstration, thoughtfully organized by dedicated community advocates, aims to stand in support of the hundreds of immigrant detainees who are courageously undertaking their own hunger strike at the Folkston ICE Processing Center located in southern Georgia.