When Amaliia Gilmutdinova, her husband Shokhrukh Abdullaev and their four‑year‑old daughter arrived in Chicago in 2021, they sought freedom and a fresh start. Abdullaev, a truck driver, was arrested at a routine checkpoint in Texas last November and transferred to the privately run El Valle Detention Center in Raymondville, Texas.
Hunger strike to demand a bond hearing
On Oct. 11, Abdullaev joined about 30 other detainees in a hunger strike, calling for a transfer to a facility closer to his family and for a bond hearing. As of the third week, he and 10‑13 others are also on a dry strike, refusing water, to press for due‑process rights.
Family’s mounting hardships
Back in Rogers Park, Gilmutdinova worries about her husband’s health and the family’s future. The couple’s landlord issued a five‑day eviction notice after rent fell behind, despite Gilmutdinova’s efforts to send roughly $160 a week for food and water to her husband.
Local organizer Sarah Quinn started a GoFundMe that has raised about $12,000 toward a $25,000 goal for rent and legal costs. The family also seeks help from Illinois officials to secure a transfer to a detention center where they can visit.
Conditions at El Valle
Detained immigrants report insufficient food, murky water and delayed medical care. Abdullaev has complained of blood in his urine, itchiness and red eyes, yet ICE says it provides three meals a day and adequate water, and that it investigates misconduct allegations seriously.
ICE has not confirmed the hunger strike but says it continues to supply basic necessities. Detainees say they face isolation, constant lighting, cold air conditioning and threats of force‑feeding.
Political response
Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and six other members of Congress sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security condemning the conditions at El Valle and urging the release of hunger‑striking detainees. The letter cites a recent Texas appellate ruling that allows indefinite detention without a bond hearing for immigrants without criminal records.
While the family hopes for a transfer out of Texas, Abdullaev told his wife he is prepared to “go until the end.” The situation underscores the challenges immigrant families face when loved ones are held far from home.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
