ICE Force-Feeding Hunger Strikers: Shocking Truth Revealed 2026

ICE force-feeding hunger strikers has become a controversial practice, and a Kurdish man's harrowing account reveals its brutal impact. Gabar Choli, a filmmaker and activist, endured eight months of force-feeding while in US immigration detention, describing the experience as mentally devastating. This article explores the details of his case, the broader implications, and what it means for immigration policy.

What Happened to Gabar Choli?

Gabar Choli, a Kurdish national, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his asylum application was denied. He began a hunger strike to protest poor conditions at the Port Isabel Federal Detention Center in Texas and to seek resolution of his case. In response, ICE obtained court orders to forcibly feed him, inserting a nasal feeding tube twice daily for eight months.

Choli described the process as physically painful and psychologically scarring. He told the Guardian, "It just broke me, mentally broke me." He even wrote an apology letter to his body for the trauma it endured. His case highlights the extreme measures ICE employs, which human rights groups often label as torture.

The Scope of ICE Force-Feeding Practices

Choli is not alone. A Guardian investigation found that between January 2025 and August 2026, ICE obtained court orders for involuntary medical treatment for at least 18 hunger strikers. This number is higher than initially reported, indicating a systemic issue. The practice remains largely hidden from public view, raising serious ethical and legal questions.

Why Force-Feeding Is Considered Torture

International human rights organizations, including the World Medical Association, condemn force-feeding of competent hunger strikers as a form of torture. It violates medical ethics and human dignity. In Choli's case, he was not seeking self-harm but protesting for humane conditions, yet ICE treated his protest as a medical emergency.

The practice also undermines the principle of informed consent. Detainees are often restrained and fed against their will, causing physical trauma like nasal bleeding, esophageal damage, and psychological distress. Choli's story underscores the need for policy reform and transparency.

Key Takeaways from Choli's Story

• ICE force-feeding hunger strikers is more common than reported, with 18 cases in 18 months.
• The process causes severe physical and mental harm, often lasting months.
• International medical standards prohibit force-feeding competent individuals.
• Court orders are used to justify the practice, but critics argue they violate human rights.
• Choli's deportation to Canada highlights the lack of accountability for ICE actions.

What Can Be Done to Address This Issue?

Advocates call for independent oversight of ICE detention facilities and a ban on force-feeding. Legal challenges are underway, but systemic change requires public awareness. If you or someone you know is affected, contacting immigration rights organizations can provide support.

Choli's case is a wake-up call. It shows the lengths to which ICE will go to break hunger strikes, and the human cost of such policies. By sharing his story, he hopes to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

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