URGENT request for funds for detainees released from Batavia
They’re out of jail, but still in difficult situations, as they are not allowed to work and may be far from family and friends. Funds are for travel to reunite with family and many other necessities. Please reach out as you are able to assist with the GoFundMe effort, https://www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-funding-for-releases.
Action items for migrants
We are asking you to take action this month around three particular campaigns that will help to improve public health throughout New York for the remainder of this pandemic and beyond. The Buffalo Federal Detention Facility has been issued an order from a judge to provide a plan for COVID-19 vaccinations for those who are eligible under state guidelines.
The first is around the current outbreak of COVID-19 in the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility (The Investigative Post). The facility is currently reporting 45 positive cases of COVID-19, which is 17.8% of the facility. There are 2 people on hunger strike over the general poor conditions of Batavia. Justice for Migrant Families is asking that you take action around this public health crisis by using the phone zap to contact both ICE Field Director Thomas Feeley and the New York State Department of Health. The Health Department may transfer you to the Genesee county Health Department where you can ask for health precautions to stop this outbreak in the detention facility.
Phone Zap Actions: Call right away PLEASE
Batavia – Director Freeley (716) 464-5800 ext. 5837
Demands:
Release of incarcerated immigrants from ICE custody
Stop the use of solitary confinement as a way to segregate people with COVID-19
Implement COVID-19 testing for all staff and detained persons
NYS Dept. of Health – 1-866-881-2809
Demands:
Investigate COVID-19 outbreak in Bufflao Fedeal Detention Faciliy (Batavia, NY)
Implement mandatory COVID-19 testing at the facility
Stop the transfer of detained persons to Batavia
Next up on our list is the HALT Solitary campaign which is advocating for the end to solitary confinement in prisons.
To support this campaign go to: https://p2a.co/vlchm7u and to learn more, you can go to #HALTsolitary confinement in New York — New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (nycaic.org).
We are also asking that you join us in demanding worker protections against COVID-19. Currently, the PROTECT NY HEROES Act which advocates for worker protections around COVID-19. It has passed through the NY State Senate and is now awaiting passage through the NY assembly. Take action today by visiting Protect NY Heroes!
Help people released from detention
Justice for Migrant Families says:
Justice for Migrant Families has exciting news to share with you all! Over the course of the last week, 10 people were released from the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. To support these releases, we are holding a FUNdraiser! Go to http://bit.ly/JFMFfundraiser. Suggest a fun activity and provide a budget estimate for activities to raise money.