Vera Institute of Justice

“I know no one here is going to put me in harm’s way; I don’t feel like I need to guard myself.” A new Vera report shows how an evidence-based shift in prison culture has built safety and community in South Carolina prisons. Explore the findings and read about the experience directly from incarcerated young adults: https://lnkd.in/gPzAWYex

Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall, an accomplished public servant and admired member of the Vera community, passed away on Sunday, October 26. A fierce advocate for equality and justice, Catie leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.

Right now, the work of protecting immigrant communities is presenting urgent challenges. Even through the Trump administration’s escalation of its mass deportation agenda and cuts to funding for legal services programs, attorneys and advocates have worked tirelessly to defend fairness and due process. ❤️ Send a message of gratitude to the legal service providers fighting for justice: https://lnkd.in/er_98_-4

🚨Unprecedented and alarming: ICE is currently holding more than 59,000 people across the United States. Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard tells the truth about the agency’s operations and the best glimpse into the current state of immigration detention. https://lnkd.in/ecAYYDjE

From dismantling due process to encouraging extreme sentencing, the Trump administration is having a devastating impact on the criminal legal system. Explore Prison Policy Initiative's tracker to stay informed about the latest updates: https://lnkd.in/gVPAJ-3K

In August, 61,226 people were in ICE detention, the largest number in recorded history. Larsya Kostak, a resident of Brooklyn for 20 years, was one of thousands detained in deplorable conditions. Immigration officers separated Kostak from her family for three months, denied her basic care, forced her to sleep on concrete, and detained her in an ICE facility in Louisiana—all after appearing at a routine court hearing. Her story reveals the human cost of a detention system that erodes dignity and fairness. https://lnkd.in/dEcgPyP2

National Immigrants Day commemorates the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, an enduring symbol of hope and the opportunity to build a better life. One hundred and thirty-nine years later, the promise of protection from persecution and the very foundation of our democracy, are in jeopardy. The scale of family separation, mass detention, and unlawful deportations is devastating. But we won’t retreat in fear, we will stand firm in our commitment to protect immigrant communities. The Fairness to Freedom campaign remains committed to safeguarding human dignity and the right to due process for all people. National Partnership for New Americans #NationalImmigrantsDay

Courthouse arrests and sweeping raids continue to tear families apart and strip immigrants of due process. 🚨 This undermines the very foundation of our democracy. It cannot continue. Tell Congress everyone deserves their fair day in court: https://lnkd.in/ewf8kET3

"Are lawmakers and leaders in New York going to give up, or are we going to stand up for our neighbors who are under attack?” —State Senator Julia Salazar ICE’s recent raid on New York City’s Chinatown, its continued appearances at people’s mandatory court hearings, and its arrests of elected officials for defending basic fairness make it very clear: New York leaders must match their words with urgent action and humane solutions. We call for the passage of the New York for All, Dignity Not Detention, and Access to Representation Acts which will protect immigrant New Yorkers from cruel federal attacks. https://lnkd.in/e8yn6Pmt

Two people died this week in the custody of Los Angeles County. LA jails have claimed 40 lives this year—surpassing the rate of the deadliest year on record. LA leaders must act now to close Men's Central Jail, reduce the jail population, and invest in community-based services before more lives are lost. https://lnkd.in/eX-bupfB