Peruvian Asylum Seeker Martín Alonso Soto Hernandez Released from ICE Custody After Hunger Strike Involvement
Martín Alonso Soto Hernandez, a Peruvian asylum seeker, has been released from ICE custody. Soto was held in solitary confinement at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility after his involvement in organizing a hunger and labor strike at Delaney Hall. He was reunited with his wife, Gabriela Soto, and their two young children. Gabriela Soto has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights, organizing rallies and vigils to call attention to her husband's detention and alleged mistreatment, including claims of contaminated food and inadequate medical care at Delaney Hall. The Department of Homeland Security and GEO Group, which operates Delaney Hall, have denied these allegations. Soto's attorney, Selenia Destefani, confirmed that an assault case against him was dismissed, and they are challenging his deportation order while pursuing options for legal status. Local faith leaders and immigrant rights activists have been holding weekly protests outside Delaney Hall, advocating for its closure.
