NYS Budget Hearing on Public Protection Focuses on ICE, Racism in Prisons

On Feb. 12, the state budget hearing was om public protection. Many testified about the need to protect state residents from ICE, including $175 million in funding for lawyers to represent immigrants facing deportation and the NY For All Act to prohibit local governments from cooperating with ICE. We hear from three speakers: Thomas Gant from the Center For Community Alternatives; Alyssa Bradley from the Center for Employment Alternatives; and Serena Bradley from New Hour LI. The Release Aging People In Prison highlighted a recent report by Senate Crime Victim, Crime and Correction Committee Chair Julia Salazar which found that staff violence and racism are endemic to New York’s prison system. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.