Some quick thoughts on the moratorium memo. Even if it's not perfect and doesn't go nearly as far as we'd like, it's a big deal that some deportations will pause for a 100 days. The pause seems to go into effect Jan 22 and will include interim guidelines that go into effect Feb 1

Unfortunately, the interim guidelines have carve outs for people currently incarcerated in jails and prisons across the country and those arriving at the border. This is deeply concerning since many people that spend long periods in detention fit these categories.

Specifically it states that people with aggravated felonies will be excluded. Aggravated felony is a made up term in the immigration system and doesn't have to be "aggravated" or a "felony" and includes things like shoplifting. It's disappointing to see this being a metric.

In addition to the moratorium, the memo includes a comprehensive review of the current enforcement system including "detention space." Unclear what this means, but there are currently roughly 15,000 people in detention, that number should only go down.

Ending detention contracts and phasing out the system should be key parts of this "comprehensive review." Not doing so will inevitably mean more unnecessary harm to immigrant communities and those seeking asylum in addition to continued spread of the virus. #FreeThemAll