ACLU Supporter, during this public health crisis, I'm finding comfort in this common refrain: We are in this together.

As we individually take measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, we must also look at the larger changes that still need to be made to protect our most vulnerable.

Public health experts are sounding the alarm of the threat that prisons and jails pose in this pandemic. There is a heightened risk of infection for people who are involved in the criminal legal system – detainees, staff, and the communities they return home to. And as mass incarceration disproportionately targets Black and brown communities, these groups will be impacted the most.

That's why we're calling on President Trump and all state governors to heed the recommendations of public health professionals. Join us by adding your name: Release communities that are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and reduce overcrowding in our criminal legal system.

We're seeing some cities take positive steps, but there's a lot more that can and must be done. We need a unified, national response if we want to protect our communities.

ACLU Supporter, it's on all of us to call for immediate actions that will protect the people most vulnerable to this pandemic. Downsizing the footprint of the criminal legal system must be a part of the COVID-19 public health response.

These may be unprecedented times, but we can't forget that our collective action holds enormous power. Sign this petition demanding the release of people in prisons and jails who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Thanks for taking action,

Udi Ofer
Director, ACLU Justice Division