April 29, 2020: Documents recently released by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office reveal numerous incidents of prisoner-led protest and rebellion against guards and staff in the midst of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak at the facility. As of May 6, more than 500 detainees at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for Covid-19 and 7 have died, according to statistics gathered by Injustice Watch and documents filed in court.
2020
05
Apr
Uprising at Passaic County Jail, New Jersey Due to COVID-19
April 5, 2020: A day after a prisoner tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in quarantine, at least 6 other prisoners refused to follow orders to return to their cells. Sheriff’s deputies allege that the prisoners grabbed sheets and set a series of small fires.
03
Apr
Disturbance at Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center During COVID-19 Quarantine
April 3, 2020: Nine prisoners under quarantine at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center threw commissary containers at the windows of their cells in an apparent effort to break the glass. Guards responded in riot gear and used pepper spray on the prisoners.
02
Apr
Uprising at El Paso County Jail over New COVID-19 Restrictions
April 2, 2020: After being informed of new restrictions due to COVID-19, an argument and disturbance between deputies and prisoners ensued around one of the new restrictions that forces prisoners to eat on their bunks, instead of in the usual common areas. In response, deputies made an “all-hands” call for help, activating the Special Response Team.
02
Apr
Hunger Strike at Franklin County Jail, Pennsylvania
March 30, 2020: A hunger strike at the Franklin County Jail which began on March 30 spread to a second block and won a few improvements in the preventive measures taken to limit the spread of COVID-19.
30
Mar
Work Stoppage in Bristol ICE Detention in Response to COVID-19
March 30, 2020 – ongoing: Immigrant detainees at the Bristol County House of Correction (BCHOC) organized a work stoppage to protest the lack of action on the part of the prison to protect them from the threat of a COVID-19 outbreak.
23
Mar
51 ICE Detainees Sign Petition Expressing COVID-19 Concerns
March 23, 2020: Immigrant detainees in the Bristol County House of Correction released two letters expressing concerns about COVID-19 and demanding the release of some detainees. One of the letters was signed by 51 detainees.
23
Mar
Food Strike at Strafford County House of Corrections, NH
March 23-24, 2020: Half the prisoners in one unit of the Stafford County House of Corrections participated in a food strike on the day the prison began a 22 hour a day lockdown in response to Covid-19.
23
Mar
14 Escape Yakima County Jail During COVID-19 Crisis
March 23, 2020: After a quarantine related to the COVID-19 virus is lifted, 14 prisoners break open an emergency door and escape.
22
Mar
ICE Detainees Hunger Strike in Glades County, Florida Protesting Inaction on COVID-19
March 22, 2020: Immigrant detainees at Glades County Detention Center in Florida began a hunger strike to protest the facilities negligence and refusal to take adequate measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Three days later, on March 25, the number of hunger strikers had risen to 100.
