The Department of Homeland Security got into a public internet feud with globally-renowned celebrity chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés, who demanded transparency about what's really going on at an infamous detention facility in New Jersey.
Andrés, who has worked to feed hungry people around the world and is a key figure trying to deliver aid in the Gaza crisis, has clashed with President Donald Trump and his allies in the past.
The spat began when the official DHS account proclaimed "there is no hunger strike" at Delaney Hall, the for-profit New Jersey immigrant detention facility at the heart of numerous protests and even the arrest of a member of Congress. This claim is at odds with other reports that such a protest by detainees is underway due to the unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
"ALL detainees are provided with 3 meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, soap, toiletries, and opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers," the DHS account proclaimed. "Aliens are also provided comprehensive healthcare — For many illegal aliens this is the BEST healthcare they have received their entire lives."
But Andrés wasn't buying it.
"Can you invite me to see with my own eyes what the truth is? Undocumented or not people deserve our respect….and their dignity….enforcing the laws of the land is great, but always treating people with humanity," he said, daring Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to come with him so they can "go see it together."
The DHS account clapped back, writing, "Chef, Chicken Fried Steak was on the menu for dinner last night," and providing an image of a meal rotation sheet.
But this response drew swift skepticism from observers.
"Oh, you have a MENU?" posted American Immigration Council senior fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick. "Wow, that sure disproves the dozens of personal testimonies about rotten and spoiled food being served to people. After all, there's never any disconnect between what's written down and what's happening on the ground. And it's a MENU, so it has to be true."