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Detainees hunger strike over Folkston detention center conditions

Folkston, Georgia, United States · since Oct 1, 2026

Is it still on?

NONo new reports since Oct 27.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Detainees at the Folkston ICE processing facility began a hunger strike to protest against facility conditions and their continued imprisonment.
What they want
Detainees are demanding better conditions and protesting their prolonged detainment and asylum-processing issues.
What changed
Oct 27: Advocacy groups noted that at least 12 detainees continued refusing meals amid reports of a death in custody.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Improve facility conditions
  • Address medical neglect
  • End prolonged detainment

Organised by: Shut Down Folkston Campaign, Detention Watch Network, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Migrant Equity Southeast

What authorities say

ICE stated that an investigation into the death of a detainee is underway. Officials did not immediately respond to media requests for comment regarding the strike or retaliation allegations.234

The numbers

Only figures a source states, with who said it. Estimates often differ.

Crowd
500
about 500 detainees had gone on a hunger strike1234
Deaths
1
death of a 48-year-old detainee234

The full story

About 500 detainees at the Folkston D. Ray James ICE Processing Center in Georgia initiated a hunger strike in early October to protest facility conditions, alleged medical neglect, and processing issues. Operated by The GEO Group, the facility faced heightened attention following the death of a 48-year-old detainee on October 23. Advocates reported that remaining hunger strikers faced retaliation, including solitary confinement and threats of force-feeding. U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff subsequently requested an immediate federal investigation into the facility's conditions and alleged retaliation by officers.

Timeline

  1. U.S. Senators urged an immediate DHS investigation into retaliation and conditions at the facility.1

  2. A 48-year-old detainee was found dead inside the facility.234

  3. About 500 detainees began a hunger strike at the Folkston ICE processing center.1234

Pins sit on city centres, never on gathering points

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