This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that 750 detainees at the Northwest Detention Center in Washington state have refused to eat and say they are on a hunger strike.

An immigrant activist said the hunger strike started on Friday as a protest against deportations as well as conditions at the centre.

The centre currently houses nearly 1,300 people being investigated for possible deportation.



An ICE spokesman, Andrew Munoz, said the agency respected the right of people to express their opinions without interference. The detainees are under continuous observation by centre staff and medical personnel.

Activist Maru Mora said the hunger strikers are seeking better food and treatment as well as better pay for centre jobs.

ICE detention standards state that a detainee who has not eaten for 72 hours is considered to be on a hunger strike.