Tacoma prisoners demanding an end to deportations continue hunger strike

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.