Revenue data from the commissary at the Delaney Hall ICE detention center in Newark might challenge claims by some Democrats about a reported hunger strike. During the alleged strike, commissary spending surged, suggesting detainees purchased more food items.
Despite reports by several Democrats who visited the center, alleging dire conditions and poor food quality, sources familiar with Delaney Hall operations provided evidence countering these claims. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed this, showing commissary revenues tripled during the so-called hunger strike period.
Reports and Reactions
Regional outlets had reported men at Delaney Hall began a hunger and labor strike around May 23. This prompted visits from lawmakers like Sen. Andy Kim, who encountered tensions with ICE agents during his visit. Others, such as Reps. Robert Menendez Jr. and Bonnie Watson-Coleman, echoed concerns.
However, DHS described these claims as a “hoax,” pointing to financial records. By May 26, the facility had a population of 724, with commissary revenues of $11,498 in the previous week. As the strike reportedly continued, weekly sales grew to over $30,000 by June 1, despite a declining detainee count.
Diverse Perspectives
DHS Deputy Press Secretary Lauren Bis commented that detainees preferred snacks over scheduled meals. This claim was supported by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who said dissatisfaction arose from the Americanized menu differing from detainees’ native foods.
A DHS-provided commissary menu showed a variety of items available, including snacks and personal care products. Rep. Herb Conaway Jr. acknowledged the conditions but noted he saw no major issues during his tour. He pushed for state authorities to inspect and report their findings publicly.
Contrarily, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, after touring the facility, criticized the food quality and alleged poor medical services, which DHS and some observers challenged by noting ambulance arrivals at the center. DHS officials asserted the commissary sales undermined the claim of widespread food refusal.
Reporter Charles Creitz contributed to this coverage for Fox News Digital. He joined Fox News in 2013, focusing on media, politics, and culture.
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