Physical & psychological abuseCourts & justice
Federal judge authorized ICE to use surgical feeding tube on hunger-striking Cuban detainee in Texas
Confidence: Corroborated · 3 sourcesUnited States · Sep 21, 2026
Subject of this story
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The GEO Group, Inc.
Also named
Oversight
Andrew Hanen, U.S. District Judge, Southern District of Texas
What happened
Federal Judge Andrew Hanen authorized ICE to use a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, which requires a surgical incision into the abdomen, to force-feed an unnamed Cuban hunger-striking detainee held at the GEO Group-run Montgomery Processing Center near Houston. The order was issued August 19, 2026 and extended September 3, 2026, and the detainee's identity has not been disclosed. The Guardian, as cited by Democracy Now, has reported that at least 10 hunger-striking ICE detainees have faced involuntary medical procedures.
By the numbers (1)
● confirmed by a primary document · ○ reported
Figures
○
Guardian reporting, as cited, states at least 10 hunger-striking ICE detainees have faced involuntary medical procedures.
1 source
- Democracy Now!
at least 10 hunger-striking ICE detainees have faced involuntary medical procedures
Sources (3)
Democracy Now!Cites Guardian reporting that at least 10 hunger-striking ICE detainees have faced involuntary medical procedures.
IBTimes UKReports Judge Hanen's authorization of surgical feeding tube, consistent with other outlets' account of docket details.
World Socialist Web SiteOriginal reporting including a direct statement obtained from GEO Group; confirms the Aug 19 order and Sept 3 extension, and that the detainee's identity remains undisclosed.
Response
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Not yet contacted
Not yet contacted for this story.
The GEO Group, Inc.
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.