Associated Press: Congress members say conditions dire at New Jersey detention center facing protests, reported hunger strike

Ted Shaffrey and Pilip Marcelo for the Associated Press report that Democratic members of Congress yesterday said they observed dire conditions within a federal immigration detention center in New Jersey where protesters have been demonstrating for days and asserting that detainees are on a hunger strike.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler said "detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark are being given small portions of food that `very often' contain maggots and that the only medication they receive is Tylenol." He reported that detainees were not receiving necessary medical treatment.

The story reports that Rep. Adriano Espaillat described conditions as “inhumane.”

UPDATE (May 28, 3:30 p.m. PST)

CHC Chair Espaillat Condemns Alleged Use of Chemical Agents in Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center

Washington, D.C. — Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement regarding reports of the use of chemical agents within the Delaney Hall Detention Center.

"Reports from Delaney Hall today are deeply disturbing.

Just yesterday, I conducted an oversight visit at the facility. The allegations that within hours of that visit there may have been use of chemical agents inside housing units, injuries to detained individuals, and inadequate medical response require immediate clarification and investigation.

I am demanding immediate medical evaluation for anyone impacted, full accounting of what occurred, and preservation of all relevant records, including video and incident reports.

These allegations must be investigated without delay, and accountability will be required where standards were violated."