So I don't and won't usually get political on here, but this is important enough that I think it should be put out there.
Washington State Legislature is currently considering a bill that would hold federal and private detention centers (read ICE) accountable for the health of those detained. The bill currently would force ICE Detention centers to provide those detained with clean bathrooms, living space, clean clothing, safe food, education, radios, visitation rights, and much more. It would also give the Washington State Department of Health legal power to do routine inspections. If you believe that people should be treated as people then please help in any way you can.
Here are links to the bill in question and the grassroots movement that got the bill submitted:
This is a big thing. Washington State does not like that the federal government has detention centers there, but previous attempts to shut down the facilities and house these refugees and immigrants have been deemed unconstitutional. The legislature is now trying to do the next best thing: making sure that these centers are safe and that those in it have the legal resources to get out.
Please rechost this, speak out, and donate if you can. This might be just one state but if this gets through, it sets a precedent for other states and movements to rely on to combat other centers.
Washington State Legislature has passed bill 1470 into law. This means that the state government can now hold detention facilities accountable for detainees' health and safety.
There are some additions that I don't fully understand since I am not well-versed in law speak. I am happy for this step though! A reminder to everyone to keep fighting for what is right!
If you want to do any of your own digging, links are provided above.
