Vera Institute of Justice
@vera.org
We’re fighting to secure equal justice for all, end mass incarceration, and strengthen families + communities
Families shouldn't have to go into debt to stay connected.
The FCC affirmed this last year when it voted to end exploitative phone and video calling rates in jails and prisons—but now it has reversed course and raised price caps. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
The FCC affirmed this last year when it voted to end exploitative phone and video calling rates in jails and prisons—but now it has reversed course and raised price caps. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
November 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Families shouldn't have to go into debt to stay connected.
The FCC affirmed this last year when it voted to end exploitative phone and video calling rates in jails and prisons—but now it has reversed course and raised price caps. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
The FCC affirmed this last year when it voted to end exploitative phone and video calling rates in jails and prisons—but now it has reversed course and raised price caps. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/u...
Vera is proud to be part of the Louisiana-based Liberty & Dignity coalition, a collective fighting for a healthy, sustainable, joyful, equitable, safe, and secure future for all in the state.
Learn more about the coalition and how you can get involved:
Learn more about the coalition and how you can get involved:
November 10, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Vera is proud to be part of the Louisiana-based Liberty & Dignity coalition, a collective fighting for a healthy, sustainable, joyful, equitable, safe, and secure future for all in the state.
Learn more about the coalition and how you can get involved:
Learn more about the coalition and how you can get involved:
From arrests and expedited removals to the firing of hundreds of immigration judges, the Trump administration is gutting the immigration court system outside and in.
www.law360.com/access-to-ju...
www.law360.com/access-to-ju...
Judges See An Immigration Court Gutted From Inside - Law360
Eight former immigration judges who spoke to Law360 say the rough treatment of the immigration courts in President Donald Trump's second term poses an unprecedented threat to judicial independence and...
www.law360.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:51 PM
From arrests and expedited removals to the firing of hundreds of immigration judges, the Trump administration is gutting the immigration court system outside and in.
www.law360.com/access-to-ju...
www.law360.com/access-to-ju...
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
One Year of Prop 36: Treatment Stalled, Justice Denied
2 Urban Girls covers news on a local, regional, state and national level!
2urbangirls.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:02 PM
One year after Proposition 36 passed, California is seeing the opposite of what proponents promised: the measure has fueled mass incarceration while depriving people of the treatment and support they need to break cycles of harm and provide stability.
After losing her son in a tragic accident, Jane* faced John*, the motorcycle driver who killed her son, through a restorative justice program. The result? A path to closure and healing, something that incarceration could not offer.
www.vera.org/news/what-do...
www.vera.org/news/what-do...
What Do Alternatives to Incarceration Actually Look Like?
Research shows that incarceration is often harmful and counterproductive. Some alternatives to incarceration can help prevent harm while keeping…
www.vera.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:55 PM
After losing her son in a tragic accident, Jane* faced John*, the motorcycle driver who killed her son, through a restorative justice program. The result? A path to closure and healing, something that incarceration could not offer.
www.vera.org/news/what-do...
www.vera.org/news/what-do...
Mass firings of immigration judges, the appointment of military lawyers to serve in their place, and ICE arrests at court hearings have overstrained the #UnitedStates immigration court system.
www.newyorker.com/inside-donal...
www.newyorker.com/inside-donal...
Inside Donald Trump’s Attack on Immigration Courts
Judges describe a campaign of firings and interference which threatens the system’s independence.
www.newyorker.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Mass firings of immigration judges, the appointment of military lawyers to serve in their place, and ICE arrests at court hearings have overstrained the #UnitedStates immigration court system.
www.newyorker.com/inside-donal...
www.newyorker.com/inside-donal...
Can you imagine being forced to work for weeks just to afford deodorant?
This is the reality for many incarcerated people who work for pennies an hour—making it incredibly difficult to afford their basic needs as commissary prices soar. https://www.vera.org/news/too-little-for-too-much
This is the reality for many incarcerated people who work for pennies an hour—making it incredibly difficult to afford their basic needs as commissary prices soar. https://www.vera.org/news/too-little-for-too-much
November 6, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Can you imagine being forced to work for weeks just to afford deodorant?
This is the reality for many incarcerated people who work for pennies an hour—making it incredibly difficult to afford their basic needs as commissary prices soar. https://www.vera.org/news/too-little-for-too-much
This is the reality for many incarcerated people who work for pennies an hour—making it incredibly difficult to afford their basic needs as commissary prices soar. https://www.vera.org/news/too-little-for-too-much
Vera's Restoring Promise initiative partners with corrections agencies to design housing units that foster dignity, accountability, and healing for people in prison.
Take a look at how this approach is building safety and community in South Carolina prisons:
Take a look at how this approach is building safety and community in South Carolina prisons:
The Evidence That Building Community Makes Prisons Safer
A new Vera report shows how evidence-based approaches to prison culture change have built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
www.vera.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Vera's Restoring Promise initiative partners with corrections agencies to design housing units that foster dignity, accountability, and healing for people in prison.
Take a look at how this approach is building safety and community in South Carolina prisons:
Take a look at how this approach is building safety and community in South Carolina prisons:
At least 20 people have died in ICE custody in 2025, making this year the deadliest in decades. With increases to ICE’s funding, workforce, and detention space, the system riddled with abuse and neglect will undoubtedly be more life-threatening in 2026.
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
It's the deadliest year for people in ICE custody in decades; next year could be worse
There have been at least 20 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the deadliest year since 2004. As the agency is ramping up hiring and increasing detentions, concerns remain about how to stop the trend.
www.npr.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:13 PM
At least 20 people have died in ICE custody in 2025, making this year the deadliest in decades. With increases to ICE’s funding, workforce, and detention space, the system riddled with abuse and neglect will undoubtedly be more life-threatening in 2026.
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/23/n...
Last week, the FCC voted to increase rate caps for phone and video calls in jails and prisons by as much as 83%.
This decision will harm incarcerated people and their loved ones, while telecommunications companies and correctional facilities profit.
This decision will harm incarcerated people and their loved ones, while telecommunications companies and correctional facilities profit.
F.C.C. Changes Course on the Price of Prisoners’ Phone Calls
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Last week, the FCC voted to increase rate caps for phone and video calls in jails and prisons by as much as 83%.
This decision will harm incarcerated people and their loved ones, while telecommunications companies and correctional facilities profit.
This decision will harm incarcerated people and their loved ones, while telecommunications companies and correctional facilities profit.
For people in prisons, family visits help sustain hope. But for almost 7 months, NY State DOCCS deeply limited them.
In a new blog for Vera, incarcerated writer David Sell reflects on how the loss of visitation deepens the mental strain of incarceration.
In a new blog for Vera, incarcerated writer David Sell reflects on how the loss of visitation deepens the mental strain of incarceration.
November 4, 2025 at 9:05 PM
For people in prisons, family visits help sustain hope. But for almost 7 months, NY State DOCCS deeply limited them.
In a new blog for Vera, incarcerated writer David Sell reflects on how the loss of visitation deepens the mental strain of incarceration.
In a new blog for Vera, incarcerated writer David Sell reflects on how the loss of visitation deepens the mental strain of incarceration.
Reposted by Vera Institute of Justice
FAMM President Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds & Senior Outreach & Storytelling Coordinator, Alexia Pitter are featured in the @vera.org latest article. With other crime survivors, they stress the power of sentencing that promotes healing & change over punishment.
www.vera.org/news/listen-...
www.vera.org/news/listen-...
Listen to Their Stories: These Crime Survivors Don’t Want More Prison
These crime survivors and the leader of a crime survivors organization highlight the need for sentencing that focuses on healing and change, not just…
www.vera.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:42 PM
FAMM President Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds & Senior Outreach & Storytelling Coordinator, Alexia Pitter are featured in the @vera.org latest article. With other crime survivors, they stress the power of sentencing that promotes healing & change over punishment.
www.vera.org/news/listen-...
www.vera.org/news/listen-...
A couple of weeks ago, ICE officers arrested a 16-year-old Bronx high school student in the U.S. legally. For simply following the rules and complying with ICE’s proceedings, Joel Camas faces the risk of returning to the danger he and his mother fled.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/24/j...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/24/j...
16-Year-Old Bronx High Schooler Arrested by ICE at Check-In
The Ecuadorian teen was legally in the United States under a special status for at-risk juveniles, which under prior administrations shielded a young person from deportation until they could apply for...
www.thecity.nyc
November 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
A couple of weeks ago, ICE officers arrested a 16-year-old Bronx high school student in the U.S. legally. For simply following the rules and complying with ICE’s proceedings, Joel Camas faces the risk of returning to the danger he and his mother fled.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/24/j...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/24/j...
Mass incarceration’s impact on elections is clear.
As we approach #ElectionDay, remember this: the communities most harmed by mass incarceration have the right to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
As we approach #ElectionDay, remember this: the communities most harmed by mass incarceration have the right to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
November 3, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Mass incarceration’s impact on elections is clear.
As we approach #ElectionDay, remember this: the communities most harmed by mass incarceration have the right to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
As we approach #ElectionDay, remember this: the communities most harmed by mass incarceration have the right to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
“It’s where we go to be ourselves. To be seen as students, not inmates, which is something we didn’t feel until this came along.”
More schools are launching college-in-prison programs—bringing the transformative power of education behind bars.
More schools are launching college-in-prison programs—bringing the transformative power of education behind bars.
The newest student population for Wisconsin colleges to recruit? People behind bars | Post Crescent
By Kelly Meyerhofer Key points University of Wisconsin-Stout professor Jonathan Wheeler took stock of his students on the first day of class last winter. “How many of you have done the assigned readin...
news.uwgb.edu
November 3, 2025 at 6:03 PM
“It’s where we go to be ourselves. To be seen as students, not inmates, which is something we didn’t feel until this came along.”
More schools are launching college-in-prison programs—bringing the transformative power of education behind bars.
More schools are launching college-in-prison programs—bringing the transformative power of education behind bars.
Vera and partners in the Big Easy Budget Coalition are turning residents’ wishes into action—advocating for a city budget that reflects what New Orleanians know will make their communities thrive.
Community Priorities for City of New Orleans Investments: Big Easy…
Vera Louisiana’s work has two strategic priorities: addressing Louisiana’s carceral impact statewide and advocating for investments in community-driven…
www.vera.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Vera and partners in the Big Easy Budget Coalition are turning residents’ wishes into action—advocating for a city budget that reflects what New Orleanians know will make their communities thrive.
After the first Trump election, Vera launched the Safety & Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Network to help cities, counties, and states implement programs that advance universal representation for immigrants facing deportation. www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5aw...
The Safety and Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Network
YouTube video by Vera Institute of Justice
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:08 PM
After the first Trump election, Vera launched the Safety & Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Network to help cities, counties, and states implement programs that advance universal representation for immigrants facing deportation. www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5aw...
Tell your lawmaker to support investments in fairness and justice in the FY 2026 appropriations bill: https://secure.vera.org/a/protect-due-process
It’s crucial that Congress redirects funds from detention and immigration enforcement to solutions that support family unity.
It’s crucial that Congress redirects funds from detention and immigration enforcement to solutions that support family unity.
October 31, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Tell your lawmaker to support investments in fairness and justice in the FY 2026 appropriations bill: https://secure.vera.org/a/protect-due-process
It’s crucial that Congress redirects funds from detention and immigration enforcement to solutions that support family unity.
It’s crucial that Congress redirects funds from detention and immigration enforcement to solutions that support family unity.
Despite overwhelming evidence of incarceration being counterproductive, the U.S. still overuses it to deliver punishment. There is a better path forward.
What Do Alternatives to Incarceration Actually Look Like?
Research shows that incarceration is often harmful and counterproductive. Some alternatives to incarceration can help prevent harm while keeping…
www.vera.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Despite overwhelming evidence of incarceration being counterproductive, the U.S. still overuses it to deliver punishment. There is a better path forward.
“I know no one here is going to put me in harm’s way; I don’t feel like I need to guard myself.”
A new Vera report shows how an evidence-based shift in prison culture has built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
A new Vera report shows how an evidence-based shift in prison culture has built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
The Evidence That Building Community Makes Prisons Safer
A new Vera report shows how evidence-based approaches to prison culture change have built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
www.vera.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:11 PM
“I know no one here is going to put me in harm’s way; I don’t feel like I need to guard myself.”
A new Vera report shows how an evidence-based shift in prison culture has built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
A new Vera report shows how an evidence-based shift in prison culture has built safety and community in South Carolina prisons.
Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall, an accomplished public servant and admired member of the Vera community, passed away on Sunday, October 26.
A fierce advocate for equality and justice, Catie leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.
A fierce advocate for equality and justice, Catie leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.
Remembering Catie Marshall
Catie Marshall (R) with Vera co-founder Herb Sturz (L). Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall, an accomplished public servant and admired member of the Vera…
www.vera.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall, an accomplished public servant and admired member of the Vera community, passed away on Sunday, October 26.
A fierce advocate for equality and justice, Catie leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.
A fierce advocate for equality and justice, Catie leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.
❤️ Say thank you to the legal service providers fighting for justice: secure.vera.org/a/immigrants...
Even through the escalation of mass deportations and cuts to funding for legal services programs, attorneys and advocates have worked tirelessly to defend fairness and due process.
Even through the escalation of mass deportations and cuts to funding for legal services programs, attorneys and advocates have worked tirelessly to defend fairness and due process.
Help Vera say thank you to immigration legal service providers.
Send a message of encouragement to legal service providers in Vera’s SAFE Network who are working to ensure due process and fairness for all.
secure.vera.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:39 PM
❤️ Say thank you to the legal service providers fighting for justice: secure.vera.org/a/immigrants...
Even through the escalation of mass deportations and cuts to funding for legal services programs, attorneys and advocates have worked tirelessly to defend fairness and due process.
Even through the escalation of mass deportations and cuts to funding for legal services programs, attorneys and advocates have worked tirelessly to defend fairness and due process.
🚨Unprecedented and alarming: ICE is currently holding more than 59,000 people across the United States.
Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard tells the truth about the agency’s operations and the best glimpse into the current state of immigration detention.
www.vera.org/news/more-pe...
Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard tells the truth about the agency’s operations and the best glimpse into the current state of immigration detention.
www.vera.org/news/more-pe...
More People Are in Immigration Detention Than Ever Before
Vera’s research reveals what ICE is not sharing with the public and the vast scale and human cost of Trump’s immigration agenda.
www.vera.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:44 PM
🚨Unprecedented and alarming: ICE is currently holding more than 59,000 people across the United States.
Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard tells the truth about the agency’s operations and the best glimpse into the current state of immigration detention.
www.vera.org/news/more-pe...
Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard tells the truth about the agency’s operations and the best glimpse into the current state of immigration detention.
www.vera.org/news/more-pe...
From dismantling due process to encouraging extreme sentencing, the Trump administration is having a devastating impact on the criminal legal system.
Explore @prisonpolicy.org tracker to stay informed about the latest updates: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/federaltracker.html
Explore @prisonpolicy.org tracker to stay informed about the latest updates: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/federaltracker.html
Tracking how the Trump administration is making the criminal legal system worse
A growing lists of the ways the Trump administration is making prisons worse and gutting programs that keep communities safe
www.prisonpolicy.org
October 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
From dismantling due process to encouraging extreme sentencing, the Trump administration is having a devastating impact on the criminal legal system.
Explore @prisonpolicy.org tracker to stay informed about the latest updates: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/federaltracker.html
Explore @prisonpolicy.org tracker to stay informed about the latest updates: https://www.prisonpolicy.org/federaltracker.html
In August, 61,226 people were in ICE detention, the largest number in recorded history. Larsya Kostak, a resident of Brooklyn for 20 years, was one of thousands detained in deplorable conditions. pix11.com/news/local-n...
pix11.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
In August, 61,226 people were in ICE detention, the largest number in recorded history. Larsya Kostak, a resident of Brooklyn for 20 years, was one of thousands detained in deplorable conditions. pix11.com/news/local-n...