Mesa Verde / Golden State Annex Hunger Strike Retaliation
Overview
Overview
Class action filed February 23, 2023 by hunger strikers at GEO Group's Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center (Bakersfield) and Golden State Annex (McFarland), alleging unlawful First Amendment retaliation: threats of solitary confinement, denial of family visitation, religious services, yard access, and riot-gear removals. Related forced-labor/$1/day suit also filed (2022).
The Issue
Issue
Whether detention facility officials violated the First Amendment by retaliating against hunger strikers through threats of solitary confinement and denial of family visitation, religious services, and yard access.
The Rules
Rule
First Amendment retaliation claims require: (1) constitutionally protected conduct, (2) adverse action by government officials, and (3) a causal nexus between them; retaliation violates the First Amendment when officials penalize protected speech or expressive conduct.
The Application
Analysis
Hunger striking constitutes protected First Amendment expression; the alleged deprivations (solitary confinement threats, visitation/religious services/yard denial) are substantial adverse actions; if imposed because of strike participation, they establish actionable retaliation at both Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex facilities.
The Conclusion
Conclusion
The class action remains active in the California Court of Appeal; liability turns on whether plaintiffs can prove retaliatory intent and establish the causal connection between protected conduct and the specific deprivations alleged.
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