1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

ICE have abrogated responsibility for the welfare of the immigrants in detention by paying GEO with federal tax payer funds to run their detention centers. This then allows ICE to claim that the appalling conditions, which we all know about, that prevail in the California Detention centers are not their concern. The Congress has also abrogated responsibility by having so little oversight of ICE that they behave with impunity. Currently there are hunger strikers and labor strikes at both Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex. This is the only way the immigrants who are being detained can stand up, at great cost to themselves. These infractions are treated brutally by both GEO and ICE as you well know from previous attempts at strikes. Action from you continues to be more than disappointing to say the least. Given the new energy in the Democratic Party, I strongly urge you to speak out and support reforms in this vile, un- American corrupt system which penalizes many who are fleeing for their lives from corrupt governments supported by US foreign policy to catch a few people with nefarious intentions. Times were different in the 30’s when all my Jewish grandparents fled for their lives without papers!! Time for my California Senators and house member to stand up and be counted where immigration Is concerned. Here are the demands of the immigrants fighting for their freedom: TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT: End the Mesa Verde and Golden State Annex ICE Detention contracts by December 2024, because there is no humane way to run these places. In the meantime they are demanding: 1 FREEDOM: Review our cases for release fairly, including our 6-month ICE custody reviews. 2 PHONE CALLS: Stop charging us to call our families, lawyers, and communities. 3 END SOLITARY CONFINEMENT: Solitary confinement is torture. 4 STOP VIOLATING YOUR OWN STANDARDS: including those that require you to provide us with adequate medical and mental health care and nutritious and unexpired food, and those that prohibit you from retaliating against us and our loved ones physically and psychologically for speaking out when you violate these standards. Caroline Lehman, Chair, immigrant Action Network, Congregation Beth El, Berkeley