In a deeply unsettling revelation, a Kurdish activist and filmmaker, Gabar Choli, has shared his harrowing experience of being force-fed while on a hunger strike in US immigration detention. This practice, widely condemned as torture by international human rights organizations, has left an indelible mark on Choli's physical and psychological well-being. In an exclusive interview, Choli described the coercive treatment he endured, a stark reminder of the often-hidden realities within the US immigration system.
The Force-Feeding Ordeal
Choli's journey began in 2022 when he arrived in Blaine, Washington, seeking asylum in the US due to death threats for his political activism in Canada. However, his asylum case was denied, and he found himself detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In protest of the conditions and to push for a resolution, Choli resorted to a hunger strike, a desperate act of resistance. What followed was a brutal eight-month ordeal of force-feeding, a process he describes as mentally shattering.
A Disturbing Process
The force-feeding sessions were invasive and traumatic. Choli recounted how a team of guards would physically restrain him while ICE medical staff forcibly inserted a feeding tube through his nose and down his esophagus, pumping nutritional liquid into his stomach. He described the pain and humiliation, stating, "I was respectful, but they were determined to break me." This coercive treatment, often administered twice a day, left Choli feeling broken and desperate.
The Impact of Force-Feeding
The physical and psychological toll of force-feeding is profound. Choli suffered injuries, including a torn nose and swollen sinuses, and experienced damage to his esophagus and stomach. The emotional trauma is equally devastating. Choli's account highlights the deep psychological scars that such practices can inflict, leaving individuals feeling violated and dehumanized.
A Hidden Reality
Much of what transpires within ICE detention centers remains hidden from public view. The Guardian's investigation has shed light on the use of court orders to subject hunger strikers to involuntary medical procedures, including force-feeding. The number of such cases is alarming, with DHS sources revealing that between January 2025 and August 2026, ICE obtained court orders for 18 hunger strikers. This raises serious questions about the ethics and legality of such practices and the extent to which the US government is willing to go to maintain control.
The Legal Justification
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have defended their actions, stating that involuntary medical treatment is only used to prevent life-threatening harm or death. However, the use of force-feeding as a means of control and the potential for abuse are deeply concerning. The secretive nature of these proceedings, with many court records sealed, further obscures the truth and hinders accountability.
A Call for Reflection
Choli's story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the need for reform. The use of force-feeding as a tool of control is a disturbing practice that raises ethical and moral questions. As we reflect on Choli's experience, we must ask ourselves: At what point does the pursuit of control become a violation of human rights? How can we ensure that the treatment of individuals in detention aligns with our values of justice and humanity?
Conclusion
Gabar Choli's journey serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency and reform within the US immigration system. His story, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, calls on us to question the practices that occur behind closed doors and to demand a more humane and just approach to immigration.
