I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to protect immigrant communities and put an end to policies that lay the groundwork for future deportations under the next administration.
It has come to my attention that the Biden administration is currently in talks with private prison companies to extend contracts for 14 immigration detention centers. This is deeply concerning, as it directly contradicts the promises made during your campaign to end the reliance on for-profit detention and the harmful practices that perpetuate the unjust criminalization of immigrants.
Moreover, the ongoing use of the Immigrant Surveillance Program (ISP) to track individuals released from detention—especially when they are still awaiting their day in court—is equally troubling. Over 62 organizations, including immigration advocates and concerned citizens, have expressed alarm about the dangers of this program. The surveillance data, including sensitive geolocation information, only serves to make it easier for future administrations to target, round up, and deport individuals without due process, violating their fundamental rights.
It is vital that your administration take action to make it more difficult, not easier, for future deportations to take place. This means allowing contracts with private detention facilities to expire, and ceasing participation in programs like ISP that enable mass surveillance of vulnerable communities.
You have a unique opportunity in the remaining weeks of your administration to take bold action in protecting immigrant families. I strongly urge you to end the use of private detention centers and halt the practice of tracking immigrants through the Immigrant Surveillance Program. By doing so, you will reaffirm the values of justice, dignity, and due process, and ensure that we are not complicit in facilitating harmful policies for the next administration.
Please act now. Immigrant communities are counting on your leadership.
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