Community Groups Demand New York State and New York City Release Secret Plan with Tech Companies to Expand Surveillance Under COVID-19!
New York, NY—On Friday, the Immigrant Defense Project, Make the Road New York, and Black Alliance for Just Immigration, in concert with Just Futures Law, filed Freedom of Information (FOIL) requests in order to demand more information on New York State and New York City’s expanding surveillance initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The requests were filed in conjunction with similar requests to the Trump Administration for information on HHS Protect Now, a multi-million dollar secret deal with technology companies like Palantir to build a data platform containing state and local medical, hospital, and other personal health data.
Under COVID-19, governments and private companies are collecting vast amounts of personal information through new health surveillance tools like contact tracing apps, mobile location data, and temperature sensors. This includes New York State and New York City where Governor Cuomo has convened a “COVID-19 Technology SWAT Team” to track COVID-19 infections and Mayor DeBlasio has enlisted the assistance of data companies like Salesforce and Twilio to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing and health surveillance. Read on to learn more about the FOILs filed in New York by IDP, MRNY, and BAJI.
To learn more about the COVID-19 FOIA Project, spearheaded by Just Futures Law, read their press release or visit their website.
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"COVID-19 KYR: A Community Learning Session" Tune in Tonight!
Join the National Lawyers Guild and Vision Change Win, for this community learning session on your rights during COVID-19! IDP Deputy Director Mizue Aizeki will help lead a discussion on KYR with police and ICE.
- Confused about what your rights are regarding “stay at home” orders and “curfews”?
- Wondering what national guard and military deployment means for us?
- Know someone who was arrested due to COVID-19 violations?
- Want to share strategies for protesting anti-Black racism despite violent police repression and a pandemic?
- Need help supporting a loved one in immigration detention or prison?
The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening so many oppressed communities. Yet it’s also become a new way to further criminalize Black people and stifle dissent. We believe that our communities can increase public health without criminalization. Join us as we discuss your rights, how to organize against COVID criminalization, and how to support our loved ones.
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ICYMI: Know Your Rights for Immigrant Protesters
IDP worked to ensure that immigrants had access to crucial information about the risks of protesting, measures to take to remain safe, and resources for reaching attorneys either before a protest, or in the case of an arrest. We drew from our work tracking ICE enforcement and advising defense attorneys to contribute to resources published specifically for immigrant protesters.
IDP hotline open to counsel immigrants about the right to protest
Many immigrants are called to protest but want information about how attending a protest or being arrested at a protest could impact their immigration status. The IDP hotline is open to providing this crucial advice about the right to protest. Our staff draw from their expertise about the intersections of criminal and immigration law and ICE enforcement to educate immigrants about risks and strategies to mitigate negative outcomes. IDP’s hotline remains true to its goal of empowering immigrants by helping them make informed decisions about when and how to engage in public demonstrations.
- What If I Get Arrested While I'm Protesting (Created by NLG-NYC)
IDP staff and volunteers prepare to advise immigrants arrested during protests
In the last few weeks in New York and across the country, thousands of people have been arrested for participating in protests challenging systemic racism and anti-Blackness. Many of those arrested are not U.S. citizens and face harsh immigration consequences for their protest participation. Though some District Attorneys have said they will not arrest protesters, it is too soon to tell how many cases will be dismissed. In addition, the mere fact of an arrest can have negative consequences for some immigrants. IDP staff and pro bono volunteers are preparing to ensure that immigrant protesters and their defense attorneys have access to individualized immigration advice about how an arrest impacts their status.
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Today, amplify our call to pass the #ProtectOurCourts Act on Twitter!
IDP and the ICE Out of Courts Coalition are coordinating a mass digital action today in support of the campaign to get #ICEOutofCourts in New York State. Today, June 17th, at 3pm, share the following content on Twitter to join in showing your support for this critical legislation!
- Thanks to a legal victory last week, ICE cannot make arrests at NYS courthouses! Now, we need @AndreaSCousins @CarlHeastie to call #ProtectOurCourts Act to a vote & get #ICEOutofCourts permanently! Sign here to show your support for immigrant NYers! https://bit.ly/2UCsPG5
Learn more about the ICE Out of Courts Campaign here.
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Support Black-led and Black-centered Organizations!
This week, in observation of Juneteenth, we encourage you to support any of the following organizations doing on-the-ground work that is critical now more than ever:
Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive and that there are many, many Black-led and centered organizations that are more than deserving of your support.
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