ICE Force-Feeding Hunger Strikers in Detention, Guardian Finds
Federal immigration officials have been secretly force-feeding hunger strikers inside ICE detention centers — and the government never told the public. A Guardian investigation found the practice reached at least 10 detainees in 2025 and 2026, with confirmed forced procedures on at least three people. Human rights groups call it torture.
What happens if you go on hunger strike inside an ICE detention center? A Guardian investigation published this week gives a disturbing answer: federal officials may strap you down and push a tube through your nose to force nutritional shakes into your stomach — without your consent.
The investigation, based on hundreds of pages of court records and interviews with multiple sources, found that Homeland Security officials under the Trump administration quietly attempted to subject at least 10 hunger strikers in immigrant detention to involuntary medical procedures. Officials confirmed they carried out the procedures on at least three people in 2025 and 2026, and probably subjected two more to forced treatment. The remaining five broke their hunger strikes at the last minute as force-feeding loomed. Human rights groups widely classify force-feeding as torture. The government has not publicly acknowledged the practice.
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The procedures went beyond force-feeding. According to the Guardian's investigation, detained immigrants were also subjected to involuntary intravenous hydration, forced blood draws, and the collection of urine samples — all without consent. Experts say force-feeding alone can cause serious damage to the nose, esophagus, and internal organs. The number of people going on hunger strike in ICE facilities has grown as ICE detention numbers rise nationwide, with detainees protesting conditions and demanding movement on their legal cases.
In a separate but related story, the family of a Haitian immigrant who froze to death at a Pittsburgh bus shelter in early March is preparing to file a lawsuit this month against the United States and multiple other governmental and non-governmental entities. The woman was dropped off at the shelter by ICE. The Guardian reported that the lawsuit is expected to be filed in August 2026.
What to do if you or someone you know is detained by ICE
- Know your right to refuse medical procedures. Detained immigrants generally have constitutional rights against unwanted medical treatment. If ICE officials threaten forced procedures, ask to speak with an attorney immediately and document everything in writing.
- Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. If you are detained, you have the right to contact an attorney. Organizations like the ACLU and local immigration legal aid groups can help — often at no cost.
- Report conditions to oversight bodies. If you witness or experience abuse in detention, your attorney can file complaints with the DHS Office of Inspector General and request emergency court intervention.
- Family members: act fast. If a loved one is detained and you lose contact, call the ICE detainee locator (1-888-351-4024) and contact an immigration attorney the same day — delays can limit legal options.
Related: our step-by-step guide — “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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Detained immigrants retain Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights against non-consensual medical procedures, and courts have granted emergency injunctions in force-feeding cases before. If a client faces this threat, I would file an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order immediately — do not wait. Anyone in or near this situation should consult an immigration attorney with detention experience right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ICE legally force-feed a hunger striker in detention?
This is legally contested. Courts have sometimes allowed it and sometimes blocked it. The government argues it has a duty to preserve life; human rights groups and many courts have found forced feeding violates bodily autonomy. An attorney can seek an emergency court order to stop the procedure.
What rights do I have if I am detained by ICE?
You have the right to remain silent, the right to contact an attorney, and constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment. You also generally have the right to refuse medical treatment. ICE detention does not strip you of all legal rights.
What should I do if a family member is detained and I cannot reach them?
Use the ICE detainee locator online or call 1-888-351-4024. Contact an immigration attorney the same day. If you believe your family member is in danger, an attorney can file an emergency motion in federal court.
Can a detained immigrant sue the government for abuse in detention?
Yes. The family of the Haitian immigrant who died in Pittsburgh after an ICE drop-off is preparing to do exactly that. Lawsuits against the federal government are complex and have strict deadlines, so lawyers recommend consulting an attorney as soon as possible after an incident.