Protest erupts at Natchez ICE detention center over poor conditions and halted services
Approximately 100 men detained at an ICE facility in Natchez protested over the weekend, citing poor living conditions and inadequate meals, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The protest was triggered after staff placed signs on residential unit doors announcing maintenance on the gas system, cutting off hot water and hot food. Several detainees also reported nighttime power interruptions at the facility, operated by CoreCivic.
The Adams County Correctional Center has experienced a surge in detainee population and overcrowding, with complaints of housing three people in two-person cells and beds on the floor, according to a petition submitted three weeks prior by nearly 70 detainees. The petition called for improvements to living conditions.
During the protest, detainees in Pod C reportedly refused to eat, placing their food on the floor as a symbol of displeasure. Reports indicated that lunch consisted of two flour tortillas and sliced bologna. Some detainees damaged property, such as mailboxes, though witnesses said the protest remained largely peaceful before staff in riot gear dispersed the crowd.
According to detainee Melvin Funez, staff used pepper spray or tear gas to break up the demonstration. Some detainees were reportedly given cookies and ramen as dinner, a gesture they described as an attempt to compensate for poor food quality. Detainees expressed frustration over ongoing issues, including a gas leak that led to the shutdown of air conditioning during a heat wave, which had sickened inmates, according to The Guardian.
Calderon, another detainee, said the source of the gas leak had not been located, and conditions had not improved by Sunday. Detainees reported receiving sour milk and green hot dogs during recent meals, with some questioning the quality and safety of the food served.
A representative for CoreCivic did not respond to requests for comment about the facility’s conditions or the status of maintenance work by publication time. The story will be updated if a response is received.
Source: Original Article
