Smart Borders or a Humane World?

IDP’s Surveillance, Technology and Immigration Policing Project and the Transnational Institute published a new report that challenges the dominant notion that tech-fueled "smart borders" are a humane alternative to physical walls. Illustrating how the alarming growth of technology like drones, GPS-tracking devices, and widespread collection of biometrics expands the harms of the border policing regime, the report calls for new solutions towards a vision for a just and humane world. Click here to see the report and graphics on the militarization of the border.

Alert: Transfers from Rikers

IDP has joined public defenders and other advocates to strongly oppose Governor Hochul and Mayor De Blasio’s new plan to transfer women and Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, NonBinary, and Intersex (TGNCNBI) people from Rikers Island to upstate prisons. The plan not only ignores calls to decarcerate, it also presents considerable risks for non-citizens. Since the New York State Department of Corrections has long collaborated with ICE, transferring a non-citizen to an upstate prison could have many negative impacts. IDP has published FAQs for criminal defense and immigration attorneys here. We will continue to update our guidance as more information on the transfers becomes available.

More than 1,600 people View Community Forum

On October 19th, IDP, Mijente and Asian Law Caucus held a powerful community forum in response to the release of the Biden administration’s memo on its “priorities” for deportation. More than 1,600 people tuned in for the forum which included three people who have been targeted by ICE, and the spouse of a currently incarcerated immigrant. Phi Pham, a California firefighter who spoke with the forum from an ICE detention facility, said: “I’m still being judged by ICE for my past. I’m still being punished." You can see more moving testimonies from the forum here.

Upcoming Training on NYC Detainer Law

If you've ever asked "Will my client be turned over to ICE when they're released from custody?" you know the answer can be quite complex. On November 4th, IDP is offering a CLE to defense attorneys on the ins and outs of detainers. We'll review what a detainer is, what NYC law says on when a detainer can be honored, and suggest tips for winning the safe released of your clients. Click here to register.