New York City Mayoral Candidates Blast de Blasio’s Housing Record

In a forum with people experiencing homelessness, Democratic candidates criticized the mayor’s affordable housing plans, embraced a ‘right to housing,’ and rejected police intervention on homelessness calls.

Chris Gelardi Feb 05, 2021

Biden’s Attorney General Needs to Think Like an Immigrant Rights Activist

With aggressive legal maneuvering, the incoming head of the Justice Department can reverse some of Trump’s most lasting harm and take steps toward a more humane immigration system.

Chris Gelardi Dec 04, 2020

For a Glimpse of the Racial Justice Protests’ Staying Power, Look To Detroit

Under the banner of Detroit Will Breathe, the city’s Black Lives Matter activists have formed a cohesive and lasting local political force.

Chris Gelardi Oct 29, 2020

After Woman’s Arrest in Unmarked Van, New York City Activists Fear Targeting by NYPD

Protesters believe law enforcement is looking for retribution after police arrested a woman Tuesday night and placed her in an unmarked van, a callback to recent events in Portland, Oregon.

Chris Gelardi Jul 29, 2020

New York City Public Defenders Oppose Resuming In-Person Court Appearances

The advocates describe the reopening as unsafe and unnecessary amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chris Gelardi Jul 23, 2020

The NYPD ‘Cancelled’ Police Court Appearances, Leaving People to Sit in Jail

Memos obtained by The Appeal and anecdotes from public defenders reveal how, for a week during protests over police brutality, the NYPD stalled cases by directing officers not to testify in court.

Chris Gelardi Jun 12, 2020

New York Protests Could Finally Push Through Increased Police Transparency

Lawmakers are targeting a statute that has been used as a cudgel to bat away almost any inquiries into police misconduct.

Chris Gelardi Jun 04, 2020

Two of His Sons Are Incarcerated During the Pandemic. A Third Is Fighting to Get Them Out.

Both incarcerated brothers are at an increased risk of complications from COVID-19—and one has tested positive.

Chris Gelardi May 27, 2020

‘We Are Scared’: Stuck Inside ICE Detention’s Coronavirus Epicenter

People incarcerated in the Otay Mesa Detention Center decry crowded units and substandard medical care as COVID-19 tears through the facility.

Chris Gelardi May 06, 2020

Despite Coronavirus Fears, ICE Fights to Keep a Sick Michigan Man It Can’t Deport Locked Up

ICE has adopted no policies aimed at releasing any of the 38,000 people it keeps in county jails and private detention centers across the country.

Chris Gelardi Apr 01, 2020