Full Breakdown
Congressional Democrats Demand Answers Over Texas Hunger Strike
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Hunger Strike at El Valle Detention Facility
On October 11 detained immigrants at the El Valle facility in Raymondville, Texas, began a hunger strike that has now entered its third week. Family members say the protest involves four women and between 10 and 20 men from countries including Russia and Cameroon. Participants allege substandard medical care, undrinkable water and threats of force-feeding. The privately operated center is owned by the Willacy County Local Government Corporation and run by Management and Training Corporation (MTC).
02
Congressional Democrats’ Letter
Seven House Democrats—led by Rep. Delia Ramirez of Illinois and joined by Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Jasmine Crockett and others—sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director David Venturella. The lawmakers “unequivocally condemn” the reported conditions and demand detailed information on the detainee population, medical care standards, and an end to any force-feeding threats. They also call for the hunger strikers to be released to their families and protected from further detention or deportation.
03
Detainee and Advocate Perspectives
“People are feeling hopeless and desperate in the black hole of ICE detention,” — Savannah Kumar, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas Savannah Kumar, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Texas, described the environment as a “black hole of ICE detention.”
“He is very afraid to say anything,” — Amaliia Gilmutdinova Amaliia Gilmutdinova said of her husband, “He is very afraid to say anything.”
Relatives of asylum seeker Inna Eremeeva (Russia) report she suffers leg and hip pain, a growth in her private areas, and has been denied medical evaluation. Her husband says officials warned that striking women could be transferred for force-feeding. Another participant, a 63-year-old man, expresses a desire only to see his family and to be transferred, according to his daughter.
04
Data & Statistics
- Hunger strike participants: 4 women, 10-20 men (family estimates).
- Nationalities mentioned: Russia, Cameroon, and others.
- Detention length for some strikers: nearly one year.
- Facility ownership: Willacy County Local Government Corporation; operator: Management and Training Corporation (MTC).
The congressional letter, agency rebuttals and detainee testimonies together highlight ongoing disputes over conditions and oversight at El Valle.