Over the past five months, we have been running a pilot of our Urgent Response Team to test and refine this critical intervention model. Through this pilot, we have successfully reunited families and secured the release of numerous ICE detainees across the country, including individuals detained on Canal Street.

Our team has blocked the unlawful transfer of detainees out of state, preventing further family separation. After filing habeas petitions and bringing cases before federal judges, we have also connected detainees with attorneys to ensure they have proper legal representation in court. As a result of these coordinated efforts, many individuals who were unlawfully detained have been released and reunited with their families.

In addition, we have provided commissary funds to detainees so they can purchase food and basic necessities. Many individuals report inadequate access to food while detained, forcing them to rely on overpriced prison commissary items to meet their basic needs. Our support helps ensure they can feed themselves and maintain their dignity while their cases move forward.

This pilot has proven to be one of the most effective tools we have to fight unlawful detention nationwide. We now urgently need funding to move this program from a pilot phase to full implementation.

Please support this critical work.