Between the years 2021 and 2024, the Biden administration has rapidly created and expanded initiatives that massively expand surveillance and control of immigrant communities who are not detained in physical cages. The Alternatives to Detention Program, also known as ISAP, is a major arm of these initiatives, but not the only one. Hundreds of thousands of people are controlled by this program and the Biden administration threatens to control millions more through the creation of programs like the Release and Reporting Management Program.
This zine was created by the people closest to the issue – directly impacted communities and grassroots community organizers. It adapts real life stories of struggle, isolation, politicization, and organizing efforts. It is a collaboration between African Bureau of Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA), Community Justice Exchange (CJE), Juntos, La Resistencia, Organized Communities Against Deportation (OCAD), ÓRALE, and the Resist Surveillance Network (RSN).
As an undocumented-led collective in the city of Chicago, we will take a moment to breathe and cherish this moment as we prepare to continue the ongoing radical grassroots organizing happening throughout the city. Trump is on his way out of office. However, we know that the same racist and inhumane structures of this capitalist empire are still up and running.
Este taller de criminalización es un recurso preparado por Comunidades Organizadas contra las Deportaciones (OCAD) y el Centro para la Nueva Comunidad (CNC). La clave para luchar contra el sentimiento anti-inmigrante es comprender que no se trata de delincuencia, sino de la criminalización.
We advocate for the elimination of the use of detention centers and deportations, surveillance mechanisms, and “reforms” that exclude the most criminalized amongst us. One way we are doing this is by advocating for the elimination of the City of Chicago’s gang database.
Genoveva’s case is one of OCAD’s first victories. OCAD supported her in filing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (something that takes a lot of courage). As a result, Genoveva got her U visa approved, is with her family and continues to fight for others.
Wilmer Catalan had been residing in the US for over 10 years and, in March of 2017, ICE agents unlawfully entered his home without a criminal warrant or consent. ICE had conducted a raid based on false information obtained from the Chicago Police Department indicating Wilmer belonged to a street gang.