Folkston ICE Hunger Strike: Detainees Protest Conditions and Prolonged Detention

On October 6, 2026, at least 73 individuals detained at the Folkston D. Ray James ICE Processing Center in Georgia began a mass hunger strike. This action is a protest against prolonged detention and the conditions they experience within the facility. The detainees, who come from various countries including Russia, China, Sudan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Latin America, have been held for periods ranging from about 16 months to nearly three years. Many state they came to the United States seeking asylum and have not been accused of any crimes.

The protest was planned to coincide with an expected facility inspection, with some participants beginning their refusal of food on October 5. The detainees are seeking immediate release, safeguards against deportation, and reunification with their families. They also demand improved living conditions and a fair review of their immigration cases, including bond requests and habeas petitions.

Detainees Allege Poor Conditions and Lack of Access

The hunger strike is fueled by serious allegations regarding the conditions inside the Folkston facility. Detainees have detailed concerns about inadequate medical and dental care, spoiled or low-quality food, and insufficient access to drinking water. They also report a lack of proper access to legal processes, which is critical for navigating their immigration cases.

Living conditions within the housing units are described as cramped and noisy, with limited natural light and fresh air. Some detainees have also reported difficulties communicating with their families. Furthermore, allegations include hostile or xenophobic behavior from correctional officers and a general lack of clear communication from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel. The facility itself is operated by GEO Group under contract with ICE and includes a former state prison that was expanded with a Department of Homeland Security contract.

Isolation and Alleged Warnings Reported

Reports have emerged of an organizer, Idris Makhmudov, being placed in solitary confinement. Separately, four Russian detainees were allegedly isolated by staff after word of the planned protest spread. There are also claims that staff warned participants about potential consequences for their actions. These accounts describe separate incidents and do not definitively link Makhmudov’s isolation to his role in organizing the strike.

Legal Avenues for Detention Challenges

The detainees have formally asked U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood of the Southern District of Georgia to review habeas corpus petitions. These petitions challenge the legality of their detention and raise questions about individual custody decisions. The outcomes of these legal actions will depend on each detainee’s specific circumstances, including their detention history, the legal basis for their custody, and the status of their immigration proceedings.

It is important to understand that the hunger strike is an act of civil disobedience and does not automatically guarantee release. Participants must still navigate separate legal processes. These can include custody redeterminations, bond requests, habeas litigation, and applications for asylum or other forms of immigration relief. A qualified immigration attorney can provide guidance on the specific legal options available for each individual case. As of October 7, ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and the contractor had not publicly responded to requests for comment.

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