Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
@katalcenter.org
Katal develops intergenerational leadership and organizing capacity to build community-based power and win systemic change for equity, health, and justice. katalcenter.org Brooklyn, NY
Take action with us here: https://linktr.ee/katalcenter
Take action with us here: https://linktr.ee/katalcenter
Pinned
Governor Kathy Hochul Signs Into Law the Jail and Prison Oversight Omnibus Bill, - Katal Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, December 19th, 2025 Contact: Yonah Zeitz: [email protected] • 347-201-2769 Follow on socials @KatalCenter • #ShutRikers
katalcenter.org
We won!
Gov. Hochul Signs Jail + Prison Oversight Omnibus Bill, Which Includes Overhauling State Commission on Correction
Coalition of More Than 160 Community, Advocacy, and Faith-based Organizations Across NY Fought for this Victory
Here's the press release:
Gov. Hochul Signs Jail + Prison Oversight Omnibus Bill, Which Includes Overhauling State Commission on Correction
Coalition of More Than 160 Community, Advocacy, and Faith-based Organizations Across NY Fought for this Victory
Here's the press release:
Yesterday, A federal judge upheld the claims of the NY state denial of due process for incarcerated people at Rikers. #ShutRikers
The Office of Mental Health refused to accept incarcerated people for treatment, leaving in limbo up to 100 people on any given day.
www.amny.com/law/lawsuit-...
The Office of Mental Health refused to accept incarcerated people for treatment, leaving in limbo up to 100 people on any given day.
www.amny.com/law/lawsuit-...
Lawsuit brought by mentally ill Rikers detainees survives motion to dismiss | amNewYork
A federal judge on Thursday kept alive claims that state health officials violated the due process rights of Rikers Island jail detainees who’ve been declared
www.amny.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Yesterday, A federal judge upheld the claims of the NY state denial of due process for incarcerated people at Rikers. #ShutRikers
The Office of Mental Health refused to accept incarcerated people for treatment, leaving in limbo up to 100 people on any given day.
www.amny.com/law/lawsuit-...
The Office of Mental Health refused to accept incarcerated people for treatment, leaving in limbo up to 100 people on any given day.
www.amny.com/law/lawsuit-...
A social worker at Rikers in 2024 came forward accusing CO's for isolating severely mentally ill men in their cells for weeks to even months in a process known as “deadlocking.” #ShutRikers
450 days later and the investigation remains open with no end in sight.
www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/05/r...
450 days later and the investigation remains open with no end in sight.
www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/05/r...
NYC’s Investigation Into Rikers ‘Deadlocking’ Drags on for More than 450 Days
A probe into a whistleblower’s accusations has stretched past a year as questions linger over solitary-like confinement inside city jails.
www.thecity.nyc
February 5, 2026 at 10:17 PM
A social worker at Rikers in 2024 came forward accusing CO's for isolating severely mentally ill men in their cells for weeks to even months in a process known as “deadlocking.” #ShutRikers
450 days later and the investigation remains open with no end in sight.
www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/05/r...
450 days later and the investigation remains open with no end in sight.
www.thecity.nyc/2026/02/05/r...
New in @nysfocus.bsky.social : "‘I’m a Human Rights Violator’: Staff at Youth Prison Recount Lockdowns, Turmoil, 24-Hour Shifts"
A yearslong staffing crisis at state-run facilities has taken its toll on incarcerated kids and the workers who watch over them.
nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/o...
A yearslong staffing crisis at state-run facilities has taken its toll on incarcerated kids and the workers who watch over them.
nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/o...
Staff at Youth Prison Recount Lockdowns, Turmoil, 24-Hour Shifts
A yearslong staffing crisis at state-run facilities has taken its toll on incarcerated kids and the workers who watch over them.
nysfocus.com
February 5, 2026 at 10:12 PM
New in @nysfocus.bsky.social : "‘I’m a Human Rights Violator’: Staff at Youth Prison Recount Lockdowns, Turmoil, 24-Hour Shifts"
A yearslong staffing crisis at state-run facilities has taken its toll on incarcerated kids and the workers who watch over them.
nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/o...
A yearslong staffing crisis at state-run facilities has taken its toll on incarcerated kids and the workers who watch over them.
nysfocus.com/2026/02/04/o...
Check out our most recent bi-weekly New York Update.
Here's what's included:
◾ICE Out, Solidarity with Minnesota!
◾Remediation Manager Must Advance the Closure of Rikers
◾February Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
and more!
katalcenter.org/2026/01/kata...
Here's what's included:
◾ICE Out, Solidarity with Minnesota!
◾Remediation Manager Must Advance the Closure of Rikers
◾February Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
and more!
katalcenter.org/2026/01/kata...
Katal New York Update - January 29, 2026 - Katal Center
In this issue: - ICE Out, Solidarity with Minnesota -Remediation Manager Must Advance the Closure of Rikers -NY Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
katalcenter.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Check out our most recent bi-weekly New York Update.
Here's what's included:
◾ICE Out, Solidarity with Minnesota!
◾Remediation Manager Must Advance the Closure of Rikers
◾February Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
and more!
katalcenter.org/2026/01/kata...
Here's what's included:
◾ICE Out, Solidarity with Minnesota!
◾Remediation Manager Must Advance the Closure of Rikers
◾February Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
and more!
katalcenter.org/2026/01/kata...
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
Today we celebrate Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon whose bravery helped reshape American history. Parks’ strength reminds us that change doesn’t just require courage, but for all of us to be unwavering in our efforts to secure justice.
February 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Today we celebrate Rosa Parks, a civil rights icon whose bravery helped reshape American history. Parks’ strength reminds us that change doesn’t just require courage, but for all of us to be unwavering in our efforts to secure justice.
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
🚨 STATEMENT: Governor Hochul Takes Vital Steps Towards Protecting Immigrant NYers, Advocates Urge Further Action
“We must center the safety and rights of immigrant families and the state must do everything in its power to protect all New Yorkers." @heyitsmurad.bsky.social
“We must center the safety and rights of immigrant families and the state must do everything in its power to protect all New Yorkers." @heyitsmurad.bsky.social
January 30, 2026 at 6:44 PM
🚨 STATEMENT: Governor Hochul Takes Vital Steps Towards Protecting Immigrant NYers, Advocates Urge Further Action
“We must center the safety and rights of immigrant families and the state must do everything in its power to protect all New Yorkers." @heyitsmurad.bsky.social
“We must center the safety and rights of immigrant families and the state must do everything in its power to protect all New Yorkers." @heyitsmurad.bsky.social
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
We commend the NYC Council for overriding Mayor Adams’ veto and strengthening our sanctuary laws. 🗽
This is what protecting immigrant communities looks like.
https://brooklyneagle.com/365554/council-locks-ice-out-of-rikers-overriding-adams/
This is what protecting immigrant communities looks like.
https://brooklyneagle.com/365554/council-locks-ice-out-of-rikers-overriding-adams/
Council locks ICE out of Rikers after overriding Adams’ veto
The NYC Council overrode Mayor Adams’ veto to bar ICE from operating on Rikers Island, strengthening the city’s sanctuary laws.
brooklyneagle.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:38 PM
We commend the NYC Council for overriding Mayor Adams’ veto and strengthening our sanctuary laws. 🗽
This is what protecting immigrant communities looks like.
https://brooklyneagle.com/365554/council-locks-ice-out-of-rikers-overriding-adams/
This is what protecting immigrant communities looks like.
https://brooklyneagle.com/365554/council-locks-ice-out-of-rikers-overriding-adams/
We welcome @governor.ny.gov’s
legislation barring local law enforcement from assisting in fed immigration enforcement, but let’s be clear: New York for All would be the only legislation to accomplish this.
Even with the Gov’s ban, ICE can still informally collaborate w/ local law enforcement. 🧵
legislation barring local law enforcement from assisting in fed immigration enforcement, but let’s be clear: New York for All would be the only legislation to accomplish this.
Even with the Gov’s ban, ICE can still informally collaborate w/ local law enforcement. 🧵
February 3, 2026 at 3:16 PM
"More than two years after city jail officials cut off nonprofit-led social services at Rikers Island, several organizations are set to return this month to provide new programming inside the troubled jail complex". #ShutRikers
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/3...
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/3...
After controversial cuts, nonprofits to return to Rikers Island — Queens Daily Eagle
More than two years after city jail officials cut off nonprofit-led social services at Rikers Island, several organizations are set to return this month to provide new programming inside the troubled ...
queenseagle.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
"More than two years after city jail officials cut off nonprofit-led social services at Rikers Island, several organizations are set to return this month to provide new programming inside the troubled jail complex". #ShutRikers
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/3...
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/3...
Our statement on @mayor.nyc.gov appointing Stanley Richards as Commissioner of the NYC Dept. of Correction.
#ShutRikers
#CutShutInvestNY
katalcenter.org/2026/02/mayo...
#ShutRikers
#CutShutInvestNY
katalcenter.org/2026/02/mayo...
Mayor Mamdani Appointing Stanley Richards as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections - Katal Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, February 2, 2026 Contact: Contact: Yonah Zeitz | 347-201-2768 | [email protected] Follow on BlueSky
katalcenter.org
February 2, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Our statement on @mayor.nyc.gov appointing Stanley Richards as Commissioner of the NYC Dept. of Correction.
#ShutRikers
#CutShutInvestNY
katalcenter.org/2026/02/mayo...
#ShutRikers
#CutShutInvestNY
katalcenter.org/2026/02/mayo...
We’re in Foley Square with thousands of New Yorkers to say: ICE OUT!
Minnesota showed us the way: now is the time for us to stand up and fight back. There is no business as usual as ICE terrorizes our communities. ICE OUT OF EVERYWHERE!
Minnesota showed us the way: now is the time for us to stand up and fight back. There is no business as usual as ICE terrorizes our communities. ICE OUT OF EVERYWHERE!
January 30, 2026 at 9:28 PM
We’re in Foley Square with thousands of New Yorkers to say: ICE OUT!
Minnesota showed us the way: now is the time for us to stand up and fight back. There is no business as usual as ICE terrorizes our communities. ICE OUT OF EVERYWHERE!
Minnesota showed us the way: now is the time for us to stand up and fight back. There is no business as usual as ICE terrorizes our communities. ICE OUT OF EVERYWHERE!
What's happening in Minnesota is alarming to all of us who value liberty, justice, & democracy.
To continue our solidarity with Minneapolis, yesterday we joined VA nurses and federal workers for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good and the many others killed by ICE.
#ICEoutNY
To continue our solidarity with Minneapolis, yesterday we joined VA nurses and federal workers for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good and the many others killed by ICE.
#ICEoutNY
January 30, 2026 at 4:44 PM
What's happening in Minnesota is alarming to all of us who value liberty, justice, & democracy.
To continue our solidarity with Minneapolis, yesterday we joined VA nurses and federal workers for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good and the many others killed by ICE.
#ICEoutNY
To continue our solidarity with Minneapolis, yesterday we joined VA nurses and federal workers for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good and the many others killed by ICE.
#ICEoutNY
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
More children, along with their parents, were allegedly detained by ICE on Wednesday, this time at North Pointe Apartments in Clifton Park. Advocates say they entered without a warrant.
ICE enters Clifton Park apartment, detains 2 adults, 3 children, advocates say
More children, along with their parents, were allegedly detained by ICE on Wednesday, this time at North Pointe Apartments in Clifton Park. Advocates say they entered without a warrant.
bit.ly
January 29, 2026 at 11:30 PM
More children, along with their parents, were allegedly detained by ICE on Wednesday, this time at North Pointe Apartments in Clifton Park. Advocates say they entered without a warrant.
Join us tomorrow, Thursday, January 29 at 5pm for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti!
In solidarity with Minneapolis, we're joining VA nurses and federal workers and gather on the sidewalk in front of the Manhattan VA and light some candles
RSVP here: katal.info/VigilforAlexPretti
In solidarity with Minneapolis, we're joining VA nurses and federal workers and gather on the sidewalk in front of the Manhattan VA and light some candles
RSVP here: katal.info/VigilforAlexPretti
January 28, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Join us tomorrow, Thursday, January 29 at 5pm for a candlelight vigil for Alex Pretti!
In solidarity with Minneapolis, we're joining VA nurses and federal workers and gather on the sidewalk in front of the Manhattan VA and light some candles
RSVP here: katal.info/VigilforAlexPretti
In solidarity with Minneapolis, we're joining VA nurses and federal workers and gather on the sidewalk in front of the Manhattan VA and light some candles
RSVP here: katal.info/VigilforAlexPretti
RELEASE: Today, Judge Swain appointed Nicholas Deml as a remediation manager to take control of Rikers to address violence & dysfunction. He must immediately address the crisis in city jails & advance the closure of Rikers. #ShutRikers
See our statement: katalcenter.org/2026/01/fede...
See our statement: katalcenter.org/2026/01/fede...
Federal Court Appoints Nicholas Deml as a Remediation Manager to Take Over Rikers Island to Address Violence and Dysfunction - Katal Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, January 27, 2027 Contact: Contact: Yonah Zeitz | 347-201-2768 | [email protected] Follow on BlueSky
katalcenter.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:45 PM
RELEASE: Today, Judge Swain appointed Nicholas Deml as a remediation manager to take control of Rikers to address violence & dysfunction. He must immediately address the crisis in city jails & advance the closure of Rikers. #ShutRikers
See our statement: katalcenter.org/2026/01/fede...
See our statement: katalcenter.org/2026/01/fede...
"Jail watchdogs found that correctional officers and medical staff on Rikers Island abandoned their posts and failed to check in on suicidal incarcerated people in the lead up to a number of deaths in the dangerous jail complex last year." #ShutRikers
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/2...
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/2...
Board of Correction details lapses before Rikers deaths — Queens Daily Eagle
Jail watchdogs found that correctional officers and medical staff on Rikers Island abandoned their posts and failed to check in on suicidal detainees in the lead up to a number of deaths in the danger...
queenseagle.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:46 PM
"Jail watchdogs found that correctional officers and medical staff on Rikers Island abandoned their posts and failed to check in on suicidal incarcerated people in the lead up to a number of deaths in the dangerous jail complex last year." #ShutRikers
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/2...
queenseagle.com/all/2026/1/2...
"Nine months after the prison guard strike, incarcerated people are being denied early release after not completing programming that they don’t have access to."
Please read this important investigation from @nysfocus.bsky.social.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/26/d...
Please read this important investigation from @nysfocus.bsky.social.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/26/d...
The Catch-22 Keeping New Yorkers Stuck in Prison
Nine months after the prison guard strike, incarcerated people are being denied early release after not completing programming that they don’t have access…
nysfocus.com
January 26, 2026 at 10:03 PM
"Nine months after the prison guard strike, incarcerated people are being denied early release after not completing programming that they don’t have access to."
Please read this important investigation from @nysfocus.bsky.social.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/26/d...
Please read this important investigation from @nysfocus.bsky.social.
nysfocus.com/2026/01/26/d...
HAPPENING NOW:
We’re marching at the ICE Out For Good Rally!
We stand in solidarity with organizers on the ground in Minnesota in for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation!
#ICEOut
We’re marching at the ICE Out For Good Rally!
We stand in solidarity with organizers on the ground in Minnesota in for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation!
#ICEOut
January 23, 2026 at 9:57 PM
HAPPENING NOW:
We’re marching at the ICE Out For Good Rally!
We stand in solidarity with organizers on the ground in Minnesota in for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation!
#ICEOut
We’re marching at the ICE Out For Good Rally!
We stand in solidarity with organizers on the ground in Minnesota in for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation!
#ICEOut
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
BREAKING: students from across NYC just walked out of their schools in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and rallied at Washington Square park to to demand a free America: free from ICE aka slave patrols 2.0 and free from white supremacy.
January 23, 2026 at 7:16 PM
BREAKING: students from across NYC just walked out of their schools in solidarity with the people of Minneapolis and rallied at Washington Square park to to demand a free America: free from ICE aka slave patrols 2.0 and free from white supremacy.
Join us today, at 4pm, to participate in the ICE Out For Good March and Rally at Union Square!
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
January 23, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Join us today, at 4pm, to participate in the ICE Out For Good March and Rally at Union Square!
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
Join us tomorrow, Friday, Jan 23rd, at 4Pm, to participate in the ICE Out For Good March and Rally at Union Square!
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
January 22, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Join us tomorrow, Friday, Jan 23rd, at 4Pm, to participate in the ICE Out For Good March and Rally at Union Square!
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
We join organizers on the ground in Minnesota in solidarity for a national “Day of Truth and Freedom” as they face ruthless ICE violence & occupation.
RSVP here: katal.info/ICEOut
Reposted by Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice
New Yorkers honored Dr King's legacy by recommitting themselves to his dream for America. ICE's racial profiling is incompatible with any notion of equality and freedom that the civil rights movement fought so hard for.
https://www.amny.com/nation/mlk-day-brooklyn-bridge-march-ice-01192026/
https://www.amny.com/nation/mlk-day-brooklyn-bridge-march-ice-01192026/
MLK Day: Hundreds march across Brooklyn Bridge demanding end to ICE and rise of tyranny in America – amNewYork
MLK Day saw hundreds of people march across the Brooklyn Bridge on a frigid Monday morning to not only honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, but also
www.amny.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:42 PM
New Yorkers honored Dr King's legacy by recommitting themselves to his dream for America. ICE's racial profiling is incompatible with any notion of equality and freedom that the civil rights movement fought so hard for.
https://www.amny.com/nation/mlk-day-brooklyn-bridge-march-ice-01192026/
https://www.amny.com/nation/mlk-day-brooklyn-bridge-march-ice-01192026/
Mayor Mamdani reactivate the "Just Home Project" which includes 58 units of supportive housing for New Yorkers leaving Rikers with complex medical conditions.
NYC needs more of these types of services & resources for returning citizens. #ShutRIkers #CutShutInvestNY
gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
NYC needs more of these types of services & resources for returning citizens. #ShutRIkers #CutShutInvestNY
gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Mamdani reverses City Hall’s opposition to Bronx supportive housing project
The Adams administration had urged the City Council to not approve it, citing opposition from local residents.
gothamist.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Mayor Mamdani reactivate the "Just Home Project" which includes 58 units of supportive housing for New Yorkers leaving Rikers with complex medical conditions.
NYC needs more of these types of services & resources for returning citizens. #ShutRIkers #CutShutInvestNY
gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
NYC needs more of these types of services & resources for returning citizens. #ShutRIkers #CutShutInvestNY
gothamist.com/news/mamdani...
Instead of working with ICE to further criminalize immigrants, DOC should be working to Shut Down Rikers.
A man was set to be released from Rikers but, the DOC handed him directly to ICE agents without legal due process.
No ICE on Rikers and #ShutRikers
www.amny.com/news/city-tr...
A man was set to be released from Rikers but, the DOC handed him directly to ICE agents without legal due process.
No ICE on Rikers and #ShutRikers
www.amny.com/news/city-tr...
DOC transfers person directly to ICE custody without judicial warrant, violates sanctuary city law, attorneys say – amNewYork
Days before the man was set to be released from Rikers Island, the DOC handed him directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — without the legally
www.amny.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Instead of working with ICE to further criminalize immigrants, DOC should be working to Shut Down Rikers.
A man was set to be released from Rikers but, the DOC handed him directly to ICE agents without legal due process.
No ICE on Rikers and #ShutRikers
www.amny.com/news/city-tr...
A man was set to be released from Rikers but, the DOC handed him directly to ICE agents without legal due process.
No ICE on Rikers and #ShutRikers
www.amny.com/news/city-tr...
The recording from our "Webinar on Rikers Island and Mental Health" report is now live on the webpage - along with the Microsoft PowerPoint and a link to the report. #ShutRikers
We had up to 250 people watching live at one point!
datacollaborativeforjustice.org/event/rikers...
We had up to 250 people watching live at one point!
datacollaborativeforjustice.org/event/rikers...
Rikers Island and Mental Health: Data, Lived Experience, and Community-Based Alternatives - Data Collaborative for Justice
As New York City works toward its mandate to close Rikers Island, addressing the mental health needs of people in the jail system remains a defining challenge—and a critical opportunity for reform. On...
datacollaborativeforjustice.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:52 PM
The recording from our "Webinar on Rikers Island and Mental Health" report is now live on the webpage - along with the Microsoft PowerPoint and a link to the report. #ShutRikers
We had up to 250 people watching live at one point!
datacollaborativeforjustice.org/event/rikers...
We had up to 250 people watching live at one point!
datacollaborativeforjustice.org/event/rikers...