In a harrowing account, Kurdish film-maker and activist Gabar Choli recounts his experience of being force-fed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while detained in the United States. Choli, who was on hunger strike to protest against harsh conditions and seek release or deportation, was subjected to a brutal routine of being wrestled to the ground, shackled, and forced to ingest nutritional liquids through a feeding tube inserted through his nose. This process, widely condemned as torture by human rights organizations, was carried out for nearly eight months, from late May 2025 until his deportation in January. Choli's ordeal, which included swollen sinuses, a damaged esophagus, stomach problems, and psychological torment, raises serious questions about the treatment of immigrants and refugees in the US, particularly under the Trump administration. The article delves into the broader implications of force-feeding, the role of private prison companies, and the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in the US immigration system. It also highlights the importance of patient autonomy and the need for legal representation in such cases. Choli's story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the need for reform.
