Multi-Faith Solidarity Fast, April 2-8, 2023

Mesa Verde (MV, Bakersfield) and Golden State Annex (GSA, McFarland) are the two remaining ICE detention facilities in Northern California, operated by private for-profit corporation, GEO. People detained at MV and GSA have been fighting for improved living conditions for YEARS. After multiple attempts to meet with ICE and GEO, being ignored and worse, retaliated, they have launched a joint hunger strike demanding the immediate release of all individuals detained at the facilities and the shutdown of both detention centers.

On Feb. 15, 77 people began the hunger strike at MV and GSA, and the number soon grew to 84 strikers. On March 7, 10 ICE agents and 5 GEO staff, violently detained 4 of the lead hunger strikers at MV, and transferred them out of state to El Paso TX. On March 14, 20 officers came into dorms at GSA with rubber bullets, pepper spray, and forcibly removed 3 hunger strikers who are being transferred to El Paso for forced feeding.

While the hunger strikers are traumatized from that attack, they are resolved in forging ahead. They are calling on the outside community to stand in solidarity with them, and help them elevate their demands to elected and ICE officials. 
Many faith traditions have a practice of fasting as a way to deepen our spiritual focus, our intentions and practice. When done in community with others, a fast can unite people together. Politically, fasting is a part of key strategies in nonviolent resistance to obtain political goals and disrupt the status quo.

During the week of April 2-8, numerous sacred holy days are converging. Faith communities around the globe are celebrating Ramadan, Passover, Easter, and Buddha’s birthday. We are looking for at least 84 faith leaders, congregations, organizations, and community members across the state to join a fast dedicated to and in solidarity (1 day) with the 84 siblings inside MV and GSA. The fast will be conducted for approximately one day (for example, fasting from sundown one day to sundown the following day, or another format depending on spiritual tradition or personal preference), and can be done from home.
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For information on how you can become involved and support this initiative click here.