NYLPI’s Health Justice extern Galia Popov and Immigration Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow Arielle Wisbaum penned a NY Daily News op-ed detailing the impacts of shackling on Kathy, a 32-year-old transgender woman from El Salvador. Together with NYLPI, they call for an end to digital prisons and investment in successful, humane immigration alternatives.

“The harms inflicted by ankle shackles and the SmartLINK app are undeniable. The shackles cause bruising, cuts, chafing or even deliver electric shocks to the wearer. They isolate wearers from their families and communities and prevent them from maintaining employment. Psychologically, the ankle shackles exacerbate mental health issues such as PTSD, increase stress and even lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.”

Read the full op-ed at NY Daily News.