Statement · 8 October 2026

Georgia, USA – 73 Prisoners Go on Hunger Strike in ICE Detention Camp

~2 min read

We must stand in solidarity with the hunger strikers in the D Ray James ICE Processing Center in Folkston Georgia, USA!

The hunger strikers released an open letter and video detailing their situation and calling on members of the public to support their cause!

Video still of Genaro Jimenez, who has a shaved head and a beard. On-screen text reads: “Genaro Jimenez, A041740813. Detained 21m. Mother, sister, wife, 5 kids and 3 grandkids - all americans.”
Genaro Jimenez, A041740813. Still from the hunger strikers’ video, published by Good Deeds USA.
Video still of Idris Makhmudov, who has short dark hair and a beard. On-screen text reads: “Idris Makhmudov, A243151206. Detained 27m. No crime.”
Idris Makhmudov, A243151206. Still from the hunger strikers’ video, published by Good Deeds USA.
Video still of Mujtaba Qeyami, who has short dark hair. On-screen text reads: “Mujtaba Qeyami, A221394617. Detained 20m. No crime.”
Mujtaba Qeyami, A221394617. Still from the hunger strikers’ video, published by Good Deeds USA.

Hunger strikes have a long history as a form of protest here in Britain and Ireland. Since 1999 alone, nine hunger strikers have died in British prisons.

In November 2025, Palestine Action-affiliated hunger strikers went on hunger strike in protest. Starmer’s government callously feigned ignorance, with David Lammy refusing to meet with the hunger strikers’ representatives. Had the strikes not ended, it is likely that the British government would have left the hunger strikers to die. The longest hunger strike lasted 73 days.

Back in 1981, Margaret Thatcher’s government set a brutal precedent with their treatment of hunger strikers in Long Kesh, which had its RAF base transformed into a prison to house “prisoners of war”. After years of protest and a hunger strike that ended after 53 days in 1980, this second hunger strike was called, culminating in the deaths of 10 of the hunger strikers.

In South Africa in 1989, medical professionals refused to send prisoners back from their hospitalisation following anti-apartheid hunger strikes. This became known as Kalk’s refusal. We call on medical professionals around the world to exercise their moral duty: Do not return any hunger strikers back to prison conditions against their will.

We also call on our comrades and supporters: Speak out and share their story! You can send letters and messages of support, using the following details: Name, “alien registration number”, P.O. Box 548, Folkston, GA 31537. Names and “alien registration numbers” can be found in the linked open letter.

The hunger strikers’ open letter sets out their situation and lists the names and numbers you need to write to them.

Read the open letter