JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A coalition of immigrant rights, faith and civil rights groups rallied outside the federal courthouse in Jacksonville Tuesday evening, calling for an independent investigation into conditions at Baker Correctional Institution, a state prison being used to hold immigration detainees.
Organizers said they have heard firsthand accounts from detainees and families alleging inadequate food, medical neglect and inhumane treatment inside the facility. They also said about 50 detainees participated in a hunger strike last month over those conditions, ending Aug. 28.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, when contacted earlier this month, said there is currently no hunger strike at Baker. ICE did not immediately respond to additional requests for comment Tuesday on the specific allegations raised by advocates…