Prison Policy Initiative
@prisonpolicy.org
Challenging mass incarceration and over-criminalization through research, advocacy, and organizing. Get email updates: https://prisonpolicy.org/subscribe/
Pinned
The need for law enforcement transparency & accountability has never been clearer – especially as ICE wreaks havoc on communities.
But police misconduct has always been hard to track, penalize, and prevent.
These resources aim to change that 🧵
But police misconduct has always been hard to track, penalize, and prevent.
These resources aim to change that 🧵
The disproportionate criminalization of Black people starts at a young age.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
February 9, 2026 at 8:56 PM
The disproportionate criminalization of Black people starts at a young age.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
NEW in Bolts: As part of a 287(g) contract between state officials and ICE, Massachusetts continues to release prisoners into deportation—even as state lawmakers look to ban other forms of ICE collaboration.
Inside ICE’s Only Contract with a Blue State
As part of a 287(g) contract between state officials and ICE, Massachusetts continues to release prisoners into deportation—even as state lawmakers look to ban other forms of ICE collaboration.
boltsmag.org
February 9, 2026 at 6:28 PM
NEW in Bolts: As part of a 287(g) contract between state officials and ICE, Massachusetts continues to release prisoners into deportation—even as state lawmakers look to ban other forms of ICE collaboration.
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
🚨WEBINAR: As calls for criminal justice reform grow louder, advocates are increasingly up against "carceral humanism" – a harmful strategy that offers only the appearance of change.
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
February 9, 2026 at 2:15 PM
🚨WEBINAR: As calls for criminal justice reform grow louder, advocates are increasingly up against "carceral humanism" – a harmful strategy that offers only the appearance of change.
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
What's the difference between states like Florida, where ICE arrests are sky-high, and states like Illinois with much lower rates of arrests? It's all about police & jails.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
February 8, 2026 at 8:15 PM
What's the difference between states like Florida, where ICE arrests are sky-high, and states like Illinois with much lower rates of arrests? It's all about police & jails.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
Arrest rates out of homes, workplaces, etc are similar – but reining in sheriffs makes all the difference.
The vast majority of people held in jail are legally innocent. Many of them are there simply because they are too poor to make bail.
Does that look like a system built on justice?
Does that look like a system built on justice?
February 8, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The vast majority of people held in jail are legally innocent. Many of them are there simply because they are too poor to make bail.
Does that look like a system built on justice?
Does that look like a system built on justice?
Failing to make it to a court appearance – which is routine for attorneys and witnesses – leads to 19 million additional nights in jail each year for people accused of crimes.
19 million!
19 million!
February 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Failing to make it to a court appearance – which is routine for attorneys and witnesses – leads to 19 million additional nights in jail each year for people accused of crimes.
19 million!
19 million!
Black people disproportionately experience police misconduct – including slurs, bias, and sexual harassment – during encounters with police
Is this really what it means for police to serve & protect?
Is this really what it means for police to serve & protect?
February 7, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Black people disproportionately experience police misconduct – including slurs, bias, and sexual harassment – during encounters with police
Is this really what it means for police to serve & protect?
Is this really what it means for police to serve & protect?
🚨NEW: Specialty courts get a good rap. They supposedly reduce crime, tackle social issues, and save taxpayer money from being spent on incarceration. Sounds great, right?
...Too bad they don't *really* work like that. Here are 6 problems with specialty courts 🧵👇
...Too bad they don't *really* work like that. Here are 6 problems with specialty courts 🧵👇
February 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
🚨NEW: Specialty courts get a good rap. They supposedly reduce crime, tackle social issues, and save taxpayer money from being spent on incarceration. Sounds great, right?
...Too bad they don't *really* work like that. Here are 6 problems with specialty courts 🧵👇
...Too bad they don't *really* work like that. Here are 6 problems with specialty courts 🧵👇
While the U.S. goes for gold & aims to be the best at the Olympics, it's already #1 among independent democracies when it comes to mass incarceration – and that’s nothing to celebrate.
So much for the “land of the free.”
So much for the “land of the free.”
February 6, 2026 at 2:52 PM
While the U.S. goes for gold & aims to be the best at the Olympics, it's already #1 among independent democracies when it comes to mass incarceration – and that’s nothing to celebrate.
So much for the “land of the free.”
So much for the “land of the free.”
"Understaffing" is an untreatable symptom of mass incarceration.
The reality is that prisons lock up so many people that they can't find enough guards to staff the facilities – and, ultimately, incarcerated folks suffer the most from it.
The reality is that prisons lock up so many people that they can't find enough guards to staff the facilities – and, ultimately, incarcerated folks suffer the most from it.
NEW: State prisons in the United States became more violent and nearly 50% deadlier over the past five years as authorities struggled to keep enough guards on the job, according to a government-funded report to be released on Wednesday.
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
www.reuters.com/world/us/sta...
February 5, 2026 at 7:54 PM
"Understaffing" is an untreatable symptom of mass incarceration.
The reality is that prisons lock up so many people that they can't find enough guards to staff the facilities – and, ultimately, incarcerated folks suffer the most from it.
The reality is that prisons lock up so many people that they can't find enough guards to staff the facilities – and, ultimately, incarcerated folks suffer the most from it.
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
While #BlackHistoryMonth is a time to celebrate progress, it’s also a time to reflect on how far we have to go.
Here are 8 Facts You Should Know About Racial Injustice in the Criminal Legal System.
https://bit.ly/4ruQHby
Here are 8 Facts You Should Know About Racial Injustice in the Criminal Legal System.
https://bit.ly/4ruQHby
8 Facts You Should Know About Racial Injustice in the Criminal Legal System - Innocence Project
bit.ly
February 4, 2026 at 4:13 PM
While #BlackHistoryMonth is a time to celebrate progress, it’s also a time to reflect on how far we have to go.
Here are 8 Facts You Should Know About Racial Injustice in the Criminal Legal System.
https://bit.ly/4ruQHby
Here are 8 Facts You Should Know About Racial Injustice in the Criminal Legal System.
https://bit.ly/4ruQHby
13,300 confined children in the U.S. are detained pretrial – aka, they’re legally innocent
Locking kids up in deplorable conditions is traumatizing and counterproductive to public safety in the short & long term
Locking kids up in deplorable conditions is traumatizing and counterproductive to public safety in the short & long term
February 4, 2026 at 7:32 PM
13,300 confined children in the U.S. are detained pretrial – aka, they’re legally innocent
Locking kids up in deplorable conditions is traumatizing and counterproductive to public safety in the short & long term
Locking kids up in deplorable conditions is traumatizing and counterproductive to public safety in the short & long term
This "unprecedented cooperation" between local police & the feds is a direct betrayal of Minnesotans, who have made it clear they do not support the government tearing families apart.
ICE out of Minnesota means ICE out COMPLETELY.
ICE out of Minnesota means ICE out COMPLETELY.
Homan announces drawdown of federal presence in Minnesota, hails 'unprecedented cooperation' from local police
The border czar said 700 federal agents will be leaving the Twin Cities
www.foxnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This "unprecedented cooperation" between local police & the feds is a direct betrayal of Minnesotans, who have made it clear they do not support the government tearing families apart.
ICE out of Minnesota means ICE out COMPLETELY.
ICE out of Minnesota means ICE out COMPLETELY.
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
Today, Virginia is the only U.S. state where someone convicted of any felony loses their right to vote for life, unless it is personally restored by the governor.
Lawmakers last month advanced a constitutional amendment to repeal that rule.
Lawmakers last month advanced a constitutional amendment to repeal that rule.
“It’s Time”: Virginia Lawmakers Ask Voters to Repeal Jim Crow-Era Lifetime Ban on Voting
Voters will decide this year whether to end Virginia’s uniquely harsh felony disenfranchisement rules. They
boltsmag.org
February 4, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Today, Virginia is the only U.S. state where someone convicted of any felony loses their right to vote for life, unless it is personally restored by the governor.
Lawmakers last month advanced a constitutional amendment to repeal that rule.
Lawmakers last month advanced a constitutional amendment to repeal that rule.
🚨TODAY!
16 states have abolished parole systems, resulting in the unchecked expansion of mass incarceration – but advocates are fighting back.
Join us to learn more about the movement to restore parole and reunite families 👇
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
16 states have abolished parole systems, resulting in the unchecked expansion of mass incarceration – but advocates are fighting back.
Join us to learn more about the movement to restore parole and reunite families 👇
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
February 4, 2026 at 12:50 PM
🚨TODAY!
16 states have abolished parole systems, resulting in the unchecked expansion of mass incarceration – but advocates are fighting back.
Join us to learn more about the movement to restore parole and reunite families 👇
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
16 states have abolished parole systems, resulting in the unchecked expansion of mass incarceration – but advocates are fighting back.
Join us to learn more about the movement to restore parole and reunite families 👇
us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
A reminder that incarcerated folks in Texas reported having to douse themselves with toilet water to cool off from sweltering heat – and the state still refuses to provide A/C.
Today I published my last story for The Texas Newsroom @KUTNews.
We analyzed years of data from Texas prisons w/o AC and found — more often than not — temps would violate standards for county jails.
Jails must keep temps between 65-85°. State prisons don’t. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
We analyzed years of data from Texas prisons w/o AC and found — more often than not — temps would violate standards for county jails.
Jails must keep temps between 65-85°. State prisons don’t. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Many Texas prisons are regularly topping 90 degrees. The state is about to defend itself in court.
A new comprehensive analysis of state data shows Texas prisons get so hot in summer that temperatures there would routinely violate state standards for other types of lockups. The state will be back i...
www.kut.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:54 PM
A reminder that incarcerated folks in Texas reported having to douse themselves with toilet water to cool off from sweltering heat – and the state still refuses to provide A/C.
“What they’re wanting to do is separate us from our loved ones... They want us to have nothing to do with the outside world."
When prisons ban physical mail, incarcerated folks & their loved ones pay for it – emotionally and financially.
prismreports.org/2026/02/02/d...
When prisons ban physical mail, incarcerated folks & their loved ones pay for it – emotionally and financially.
prismreports.org/2026/02/02/d...
Mail went digital in Alabama prisons. Families say it isn’t being delivered
Incarcerated people and their families are raising concerns about long delays, difficulties sending legal documents, and invasions of privacy
prismreports.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:40 PM
“What they’re wanting to do is separate us from our loved ones... They want us to have nothing to do with the outside world."
When prisons ban physical mail, incarcerated folks & their loved ones pay for it – emotionally and financially.
prismreports.org/2026/02/02/d...
When prisons ban physical mail, incarcerated folks & their loved ones pay for it – emotionally and financially.
prismreports.org/2026/02/02/d...
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
Immigration enforcement quotas can fuel violence, intimidation, deaths, & unlawful arrests, like what we have seen unfolding in communities across the country.
These arbitrary quotas have led to harsher & more expansive immigration enforcement.
⬇️
These arbitrary quotas have led to harsher & more expansive immigration enforcement.
⬇️
January 30, 2026 at 12:42 AM
Immigration enforcement quotas can fuel violence, intimidation, deaths, & unlawful arrests, like what we have seen unfolding in communities across the country.
These arbitrary quotas have led to harsher & more expansive immigration enforcement.
⬇️
These arbitrary quotas have led to harsher & more expansive immigration enforcement.
⬇️
Each year, 2.7 million jail admissions are for misdemeanor charges.
Yes, this includes charges for behaviors like jaywalking or even sitting on a sidewalk.
Yes, this includes charges for behaviors like jaywalking or even sitting on a sidewalk.
February 2, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Each year, 2.7 million jail admissions are for misdemeanor charges.
Yes, this includes charges for behaviors like jaywalking or even sitting on a sidewalk.
Yes, this includes charges for behaviors like jaywalking or even sitting on a sidewalk.
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
SHARE WIDELY: as ICE continues to sow fear and confusion, IDP has been fielding questions from folks worried about their loved ones. Visit immigrantdefenseproject.org/detention for more resources on how to navigate the detention process, a directory to find legal support during this difficult time.
January 31, 2026 at 8:14 PM
SHARE WIDELY: as ICE continues to sow fear and confusion, IDP has been fielding questions from folks worried about their loved ones. Visit immigrantdefenseproject.org/detention for more resources on how to navigate the detention process, a directory to find legal support during this difficult time.
🚨WEBINAR: As calls for criminal justice reform grow louder, advocates are increasingly up against "carceral humanism" – a harmful strategy that offers only the appearance of change.
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
February 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
🚨WEBINAR: As calls for criminal justice reform grow louder, advocates are increasingly up against "carceral humanism" – a harmful strategy that offers only the appearance of change.
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Get tips & tools to resist these narratives at our upcoming webinar👇
zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
Expanding immigration detention, expediting deportations, punishing people following the law, undermining judicial independence: the Trump administration has exploited every avenue to weaponize the immigration system and dismantle due process.
www.vera.org/explainers/w...
www.vera.org/explainers/w...
Weaponizing the System: One Year of Trump’s Attacks on Due Process
From the early days of his administration, Trump has launched a widespread crackdown on immigrants, enacting a series of policies that have vastly…
www.vera.org
February 2, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Expanding immigration detention, expediting deportations, punishing people following the law, undermining judicial independence: the Trump administration has exploited every avenue to weaponize the immigration system and dismantle due process.
www.vera.org/explainers/w...
www.vera.org/explainers/w...
Reposted by Prison Policy Initiative
Huge gratitude to @prisonpolicy.org for helping craft and uplift this resource, and for the upcoming webinar on Feb. 25 to discuss #carceralhumanism. Looking forward to joining!
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/01...
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/01...
Caging compassion: Recognizing and resisting carceral humanist narratives in criminal justice reform
Advocates for criminal justice reform are often caught between the immediate need to address the dehumanizing conditions people are subjected to and the need to ...
www.prisonpolicy.org
January 31, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Huge gratitude to @prisonpolicy.org for helping craft and uplift this resource, and for the upcoming webinar on Feb. 25 to discuss #carceralhumanism. Looking forward to joining!
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/01...
www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/01...
The disproportionate criminalization of Black people starts at a young age.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
February 1, 2026 at 8:15 PM
The disproportionate criminalization of Black people starts at a young age.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.
While Black and white kids use drugs at similar rates, Black youth make up 24% of kids confined for drug offenses, despite comprising just 14% of the general youth population.