Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #AbolishDetention
Most recents (18)
BREAKING: ICE is cutting contracts of two immigration detention centers– the Irwin County Detention Center in GA and the Bristol County Detention Center in MA! [statement link]
This is a decisive victory for the dignity of immigrants. #CommunitiesNotCages 1/
This is a decisive victory for the dignity of immigrants. #CommunitiesNotCages 1/
The end of ICE contracts at Irwin and Bristol County are an important win for the immigrant rights movement and the growing demand to #AbolishDetention.
We are celebrating in honor of everyone that has been detained, spoken out & called for the closure of the facilities.
We are celebrating in honor of everyone that has been detained, spoken out & called for the closure of the facilities.
In GA, accounts from immigrants at Irwin were detailed in a complaint filed by GA groups & in a lawsuit that included whistleblower Dawn Wooten describing abuse, such as ICE neglecting to follow COVID protocol & a pattern of gynecological procedures performed w/o informed consent
Wakulla County, FL terminated its contract w/ ICE after profiting off of immigration detention for the past 30 yrs. Similar to Wakulla, the Glades County Detention Center is $28 million in debt to its bondholders & recently faced allegations of contract & civil rights violations.
Immigrant detention is inhumane, unnecessary & costly. Local governments have no business supporting this system. We call on Glades County & other County-run facilities in FL to immediately end their contracts with ICE & stop endangering lives. #AbolishDetention #ShutDownGlades
Last month, DWN joined 8 other groups in filing a federal civil rights complaint against the Glades County Detention Center. Through 25 testimonies, the complaint details human rights violations happening inside the facility. miamiherald.com/news/local/imm… #ShutDownGlades #EndDetention
🧵 #Thread: 6 mo. ago we launched a #COVID19 Hotline to document abuses in ICE prisons. Since then, we’ve received over 10k calls. We just published our latest report analyzing data from the Hotline, attorneys, advocates & media reports.
Here’s what we found 👇 #FreeThemAll
Here’s what we found 👇 #FreeThemAll
Since our last update, ICE officials announced three deaths in custody. Fernando Sabonger-Garcia; Cipriano Chavez-Alvarez; and Romien Jally.
21 people have lost their lives in ICE custody this fiscal year, the highest in 15 years.
#DetentionKills #FreeThemAll
21 people have lost their lives in ICE custody this fiscal year, the highest in 15 years.
#DetentionKills #FreeThemAll
At least 7 of the 17 people who have died in ICE custody since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in ICE detention via a transfer from state or federal jails or prisons after completing a criminal sentence or being paroled out.
Half of these deaths were people over 50
Half of these deaths were people over 50
#THREAD
Today, @MigrantFreedom launched the #Freedom100 Fund — an impact investment opportunity designed to reunite families separated by the U.S. immigration detention system by posting bond for 100 immigrants.
So let’s talk about the racist history of bonds shall we:
Today, @MigrantFreedom launched the #Freedom100 Fund — an impact investment opportunity designed to reunite families separated by the U.S. immigration detention system by posting bond for 100 immigrants.
So let’s talk about the racist history of bonds shall we:
The history of immigration bonds in the US goes back to the late 1700s. Prior to federal immigration law, local & state laws were powerful regulators of the movement of people with criminal records, the poor, & the regulation of slavery/other policies of racial subordination.
For ex: the 1794 Massachusetts poor laws – a legacy of the English poor law system – imposed a penalty on any person who knowingly brought an indigent person into the Commonwealth and left them there.
Happening now: Black immigrant justice leaders and community advocates are holding a press conference on the importance of defending #AB32 from GEO Group.
Follow along here 👇
#DivestFromCages
#InvestInCommunities
Follow along here 👇
#DivestFromCages
#InvestInCommunities
"We have seen the terrifying conditions & outbreaks that have occurred in prisons and immigrant detention centers. #AB32 is an important piece of legislation that would allow us the opportunity to combat the ways that incarceration continues to expand."
- @arreenitta
- @arreenitta
"We know that there are alternatives that aren't based in a carceral solution." 🙌
- @arreenitta
#DivestFromCages
#InvestInCommunities
- @arreenitta
#DivestFromCages
#InvestInCommunities
🧵THREAD: Yesterday fmr nat. security advisor @AmbJohnBolton’s book was released, claiming Trump told Chinese President Jinping to continue building concentration camps for Uyghurs.
It's our understanding that Trump’s @DHSgov also has aided India in expanding camps for Muslims.
It's our understanding that Trump’s @DHSgov also has aided India in expanding camps for Muslims.
This isn't the 1st time the U.S. has exported detention abroad.
The U.S. has funneled money & direct support to Mexico for detention through Programa Frontera Sur (see below). As the U.S. strengthens relations w/ India, India is expanding detention with little public oversight.
The U.S. has funneled money & direct support to Mexico for detention through Programa Frontera Sur (see below). As the U.S. strengthens relations w/ India, India is expanding detention with little public oversight.
GEO can’t cover up the truth. Detention is inhumane, unnecessary, and carries a shocking record of abuse and in-custody deaths. We’ve been visiting with impacted persons detained at #Adelanto since 2012. We know just how terrible this immigrant prison is.
Thread 👇
Thread 👇
In 2015 we co-authored an investigative report w/@DetentionWatch that exposed not only the sheer brutality of #Adelanto, but also how it was far from the economic savior private prison GEO Group pitched it to be.
We need #CommunitiesNotCages
freedomforimmigrants.org/adelanto
We need #CommunitiesNotCages
freedomforimmigrants.org/adelanto
@DetentionWatch In 2018, we released the first national study focusing on abuse motivated by hate and bias toward asylum seekers and other individuals in U.S. immigration detention.
Here's how GEO staff verbally abused immigrants in their custody:
freedomforimmigrants.org/report-on-hate
Here's how GEO staff verbally abused immigrants in their custody:
freedomforimmigrants.org/report-on-hate
Tonight, the McFarland city planning commission will hear public comment from community residents on whether private prison companies can expand their detention apparatus in California.
This is in violation of CA law.
Thread
#CommunitiesNotCages
This is in violation of CA law.
Thread
#CommunitiesNotCages
In 2017, @MigrantFreedom & @the_ILRC helped draft and co-sponsor #SB29, a law that clearly states no CA city, county, or public agency can approve a permit to expand immigration detention without fulfilling two requirements:
@the_ILRC 1.) The public must be adequately notified at least 180 days before the permit is approved 2.) The city holds two separate public hearings to solicit input from the community #PeopleOverProfits
THREAD: A judge in federal court ruled on the side of protecting 1st Amendment rights & reinstated our critical Hotline that has helped thousands in immigrant detention report on the conditions of their confinement.
@ICEgov will never censor us #FreedomForImmigrants
@ICEgov will never censor us #FreedomForImmigrants
@ICEgov This case should serve as a reminder that the Trump admin is not a law unto itself, but rather accountable to the people & our Constitution.
Read our press release:
freedomforimmigrants.org/news/2020/2/12…
Read our press release:
freedomforimmigrants.org/news/2020/2/12…
In 2019, we partnered with @OITNB to provide an accurate portrayal of life in immigrant jails & prisons.
The final season prominently featured our free & confidential hotline. 2 weeks after the season premiere, ICE completely shut down the hotline.
The final season prominently featured our free & confidential hotline. 2 weeks after the season premiere, ICE completely shut down the hotline.
"Because the truth is that I’ve noticed that it’s all a business. What is happening to people, this is just a business, a market. "
An asylum seeker from Nicaragua describes his experience in CBP and ICE detention #AbolishDetention
imm-print.com/during-the-two…
An asylum seeker from Nicaragua describes his experience in CBP and ICE detention #AbolishDetention
imm-print.com/during-the-two…
He remembers crying “Why are they putting me in prison?"
These are not "detention centers." They are immigrant prisons.
The movement to refer to these facilities as "prisons" & "jails" was spearheaded by Carlos Hidalgo & Sylvester Owino — two previously detained immigrants.
These are not "detention centers." They are immigrant prisons.
The movement to refer to these facilities as "prisons" & "jails" was spearheaded by Carlos Hidalgo & Sylvester Owino — two previously detained immigrants.
Para leer la historia de Javier en español, haga clic aquí: imm-print.com/dentro-todos-l…
Last Friday, one of the men on hunger strike was finally released from detention!
His bond was set at $12K, which his lifelong friend & Freedom for Immigrants' National Immigration Bond Fund worked together pay #AbolishDetention #FreeThemAll
His bond was set at $12K, which his lifelong friend & Freedom for Immigrants' National Immigration Bond Fund worked together pay #AbolishDetention #FreeThemAll
After spending the weekend recovering in the care of doctors, he is with his sponsor in the US and can continue his asylum case from outside of a jail cell.
But there are still 3 men detained at LaSalle on a hunger strike.
Call the NOLA ICE Field Office & demand their release
But there are still 3 men detained at LaSalle on a hunger strike.
Call the NOLA ICE Field Office & demand their release
After being blocked from delivering our @MoveOn petition in person, our tenacious volunteers in Louisiana have emailed and mailed to the NOLA ICE Field Office.
Thank you to the nearly 27,000 people who signed the petition.
Thank you to the nearly 27,000 people who signed the petition.
5 brave men have reached over 80 days on a hunger strike for freedom.
These men are on the brink of death. We must continue to keep up the pressure, so they aren’t the next deaths in ICE detention.
The good news is there are 2 things you can do right now to help:
These men are on the brink of death. We must continue to keep up the pressure, so they aren’t the next deaths in ICE detention.
The good news is there are 2 things you can do right now to help:
1.) We found a pressure point. Please call and email John Hartnett, the Acting ICE Field Office Director in New Orleans (318-992-1594 & John.Hartnett@ice.dhs.gov) and demand these men be released to the care of their family, friends, & doctors in the community.
Here's a script:
Here's a script:
2.) One of the men fighting for his life has a bond hearing on Thursday the 30th, just one day before his final asylum hearing. We are hopeful the judge will give him a fair chance where ICE is failing. However, judges in Louisiana have the worst approval rate in the country.
Detentions are places of psychological torture that create conditions that cause hunger strikes. For over 75 days, 5 South Asian asylum seekers have been on hunger strike at a privately-owned Louisiana detention center. (1/5)
truthout.org/articles/hunge…
truthout.org/articles/hunge…
The men are protesting their indefinite detainment and it is reported that these men are on the brink of death and are being forced-fed by ICE. (2/5)
Statement from @SAALTweets @DetentionWatch and @MigrantFreedom
freedomforimmigrants.org/news/2020/1/16…
Statement from @SAALTweets @DetentionWatch and @MigrantFreedom
freedomforimmigrants.org/news/2020/1/16…
The NOLA field office has the ability to free these men or to keep them locked up in cages. Call their office and demand that ICE release the 5 men on hunger strike! (3/5)
After 3 yrs in immigration detention, Erickson Martinez was deported to Colombia — where he hasn't lived since he was 8 yrs old.
"I lost everything after spending 3 years [...] fighting for the chance to stay with my family in a so-called free country."
imm-print.com/all-im-doing-i…
"I lost everything after spending 3 years [...] fighting for the chance to stay with my family in a so-called free country."
imm-print.com/all-im-doing-i…
We've featured Erickson's stories on IMM Print before.
He wrote about his experience being assaulted by an officer at the Baker County Detention Center.
"If you ask me, they are county jail corporations making profit on the pain of others."
imm-print.com/his-nose-broke…
He wrote about his experience being assaulted by an officer at the Baker County Detention Center.
"If you ask me, they are county jail corporations making profit on the pain of others."
imm-print.com/his-nose-broke…
We published the final letter he wrote from detention before he was deported in Oct 2019.
"Freedom is the biggest treasure a man could have. These politicians & administration are twisting the real meaning of freedom."
imm-print.com/after-living-i…
"Freedom is the biggest treasure a man could have. These politicians & administration are twisting the real meaning of freedom."
imm-print.com/after-living-i…
THREAD: 5 South Asian nationals at the LaSalle Detention Facility in Louisiana are quickly approaching their 75th day on a hunger strike for freedom. According to medical professionals, day 75 is when vital organs begin to fail. These men deserve freedom. truthout.org/articles/after…
Detention creates conditions that cause hunger strikes. Immigration detention functions as psychological torture. If asylum seekers continue to face indefinite detention in terrible conditions, we will see more hunger strikes and more deaths in custody.
ICE has broad prosecutorial discretion to release anyone at any time. They are actively choosing not to do exercise this discretion and release the men to the family and friends that have come forward and offered to provide housing and assistance should they be released.
A group of men detained in Louisiana & Texas have reached their 70th day on hunger strike. They are on the brink of death.
“The reason for me sitting on hunger strike is because I want freedom. Since January 21, 2019 I have been locked inside four walls."
truthout.org/articles/after…
“The reason for me sitting on hunger strike is because I want freedom. Since January 21, 2019 I have been locked inside four walls."
truthout.org/articles/after…
In Louisiana, the men are subjected to forced hydration, a painful, invasive process. The medical staff administering the forced hydration do not speak their native language and videotape the procedure.
In Texas, one man is being force-fed and receiving "sub par" medical attention according to @avid_chihuahuan.
Multiple human rights and medical groups consider force-feeding to be a form of torture.
Multiple human rights and medical groups consider force-feeding to be a form of torture.
This year, we received a generous donation of a house in Louisiana. Its purpose is to provide transitional support to immigrants after they are released from detention. In order to be effective immigrant rights advocates, we must #AbolishDetention & #KeepFamiliesTogether
If you’d like to support us in our mission to model a world without detention, please pledge to become a sponsor: freedomforimmigrants.org/sponsor-freedom
Or make a donation if you can: aplos.com/aws/give/CIVIC…
1/ Happening now: DWN, @NIJC, @ACLU, and @MigrantFreedom are holding a briefing with members of Congress to call for routine surprise visits of ICE jails in their districts and states. #EyesonICE #AbolishDetention
2/ ICE’s inspection process fails to provide an accurate assessment of the conditions people in detention face by lacking independent, regular, & unannounced inspections of detention facilities. We need #EyesonICE to hold the egregious agency accountable.
3/Immigration detention is the unjust practice of incarcerating immigrants while they await a decision on their immigration status. Within a broader system which targets low income people of color, @ICEgov locks up people in abysmal conditions where a culture of abuse permeates.
