³ÉÈËXÕ¾

MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Tacoma prisoners demanding an end to deportations continue hunger strike

Mar 19, 2014, 2:59 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm

Relatives of detainees rally in support of hunger strike to improve conditions and an end to deport...

Relatives of detainees rally in support of hunger strike to improve conditions and an end to deportations. (³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio/Tim Haeck)

(³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio/Tim Haeck)

Prisoners at the federal detention center in Tacoma vow to continue a hunger strike that is almost two weeks long. They’re demanding better conditions and an end to deportations.

Demonstrators have been protesting at the facility on the Tacoma tideflats every day. They say they’ll continue to support the detainees, some of whom are refusing to eat. Activists say two detainees are under medical observation and others continue to refuse food.

Donna Gaspar stood outside the gate of the facility with her children and grandchildren, saying she hasn’t seen her husband in a year-and-a-half as he challenges an order for his deportation.

Activists say they’re negotiating to end the hunger strike and they’re planning a nationwide day of action April 5 to highlight the need to change U.S. deportation policy.

MyNorthwest News

Bellevue police...

James Lynch

Bellevue police launch emphasis patrols after 163% spike in speeding tickets

Bellevue police intensify patrols after a 163% rise in speeding tickets, aiming to enhance road safety.

3 hours ago

aircraft fuelers...

Frank Sumrall

Over 150 Sea-Tac aircraft fuelers vote ‘overwhelmingly’ to authorize strike

More than 150 fuelers at Sea-Tac voted to strike after contract talks fail, threatening airport operations and traveler convenience.

4 hours ago

The scene as police respond to a protest on UW campus. (Photo courtesy of ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ 7)...

Jonah Oaklief and Frank Sumrall

4 face judge after chaotic protest, standoff at UW ends in 32 arrests

Four appeared in court Tuesday after a protest at the University of Washington led to 32 arrests.

5 hours ago

wildfires wa...

Luke Duecy

WA concerned federal government won’t help fight wildfires this year

State officials are sounding the alarm over a lack of federal resources and support in a year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) predicts will be an "above-average" year for wildfires, especially across Eastern Washington.

7 hours ago

benson boone beautiful things...

MyNorthwest Staff

WA pop star to bring ‘beautiful things’ to Climate Pledge Arena

Benson Boone, the Monroe-raised pop sensation and Grammy-nominated breakout star, has announced his first headlining arena tour — and he’s coming home to the Climate Pledge. 

10 hours ago

king county lawsuit...

Frank Sumrall

King County joins national lawsuit challenging new conditions to receive federal grant money

King County joined seven other jurisdictions in a lawsuit against HUD and FTA after more conditions were added in order to grant funding to local governments.

12 hours ago

Tacoma prisoners demanding an end to deportations continue hunger strike