Martin Soto, a Peruvian national seeking asylum, was released from the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey on Tuesday night after serving eight months in custody, including time in solitary confinement. Federal authorities detained Soto in February 2024 while he was purchasing diapers for his two young children. He had no criminal history at the time of arrest.

Soto’s detention stemmed from his involvement in organizing a hunger and labor strike involving more than 300 detained immigrants at the Delaney Hall facility in May 2024. Protesters demanded improved conditions, freedom, due process, and a meeting with the governor. New Jersey officials had previously filed a lawsuit to shut down Delaney Hall, citing concerns about food quality, guard conduct, and medical care.

While Soto was held at Delaney Hall, his wife, Gabriela Soto, led public demonstrations calling for his release. After being transferred to the Elizabeth facility, he remained in custody for an additional four months. According to Gabriela Soto, officials restricted his contact with others out of concern he might initiate further protests.

In August 2024, Soto applied for a U-Visa, a category set aside for crime victims assisting law enforcement. His wife submitted a letter to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Denn requesting certification of his visa application amid an ongoing investigation into alleged abuses at Delaney Hall. The certification was approved recently, as confirmed by independent journalist Kevin Ortega-Rojas.

Soto’s release was publicly announced by Radio Jornalera NJ. New Jersey Democratic representatives Rob Menendez and Analilia Mejía attended the event outside the detention center, where Gabriela Soto was seen reuniting with her husband. The circumstances of his detention and release have drawn attention from immigrant advocacy groups and lawmakers.