🚨BREAKING: Powerful emergency motion in federal court for more than 4k people jailed in Harris County. "A public health catastrophe of historic proportion looms. Only this Court can avert it. With every passing hour, the risk of disaster increases. All eyes turn to this Court." 
"As coronavirus spreads, hundreds of thousands have been infected & thousands have died. By the admission of the County & Sheriff, the jail is unequipped to prevent transmission among people detained at the jail & staff, or to isolate & treat individuals who become infected."
The emergency filing is on behalf of those who can't afford bail. Those include:
65 charged w/ possession of a controlled substance
53 w/ possession of less than a gram of a controlled substance
47 w/ theft under $2500 w/ 2+ prior convictions
39 w/ credit/debit card offenses
65 charged w/ possession of a controlled substance
53 w/ possession of less than a gram of a controlled substance
47 w/ theft under $2500 w/ 2+ prior convictions
39 w/ credit/debit card offenses
All parties agree. Sheriff called for "bold action." Compared the crisis to "three massive ships docked in downtown Houston." Stated, 'Jails and prisons are fertile ground for the spread of infectious disease. My nightmare scenario is that an outbreak happens at the county jail."
Chief Judge also agrees: "Healthcare professionals have urged us to reduce people in the jail.” Mitigating an outbreak is “a very high priority” because if Covid-19 arrives, it “could spread like wildfire.” So why haven't they yet acted? What does it take an emergency petition?
"Although parties apparently agree on the facts, the merits, & the need for an immediate remedy, Defendants have failed to devise one. Time is running out. As of last night, 15 people detained in the jail were quarantined, & a 6th deputy was confirmed positive for Covid-19."
An excruciating "irreperable harm." "Plaintiffs ask that this emergency request be heard as expeditiously as possible. Absent immediate action by this Court, some Plaintiffs likely will face the ultimate irreparable harm: death.
According to an ally: "A lot has been happening in Houston.
This work has so far reduced the jail population by about 10% in a couple weeks. However, local felony judges have refused to do more. About 8k human beings still languish in the jail in downtown Houston."
This work has so far reduced the jail population by about 10% in a couple weeks. However, local felony judges have refused to do more. About 8k human beings still languish in the jail in downtown Houston."
This suit was brought by @equalityAlec & the incredible folks at his org, Civil Rights Corps (@CivRightsCorps). Proud to know them. Work with them. For folks following me here on Rikers work know this: It's only the beginning of what we'll see around the country. Need to act now.
