Detainees on hunger strike allege filthy water, moldy food at ICE detention center in California desert

In a public letter, detainees at Adelanto Detention Center say their experience is “unbearable” and at least 40 have been in a hunger strike since mid-May.

Water coolers at Adelanto Detention Center, in California’s Mojave Desert, routinely remain empty for hours at a time, detainees say. When they’re filled, the drinking water appears murky and sometimes strands of hair are seen floating inside.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Just a moment.

We are getting your experience ready.