In a recent government meeting, families of incarcerated individuals voiced urgent concerns regarding the treatment and safety of their loved ones within the prison system. The emotional testimonies highlighted systemic failures in providing adequate mental health care and protection for vulnerable inmates.

One family member, who traveled from Georgia, DC, and Texas, shared a harrowing account of her brother, incarcerated since 2014. She described his descent into drug addiction and worsening mental health, exacerbated by a lack of support in prison. Despite their efforts to secure rehabilitation and safety for him, she reported that he has faced severe violence, including extortion and physical assaults, leading to a plea for systemic change to protect mentally ill inmates.

Another speaker, Tamika Hayes, recounted her son Michael Cooper's traumatic experience during a riot at the correctional facility, where he was allegedly assaulted by the CERT team while incapacitated on crutches. Hayes expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and transparency from prison officials, emphasizing that the focus should shift from protecting officers to ensuring inmate safety.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for reform in the correctional system, particularly regarding the treatment of mentally ill individuals and the need for immediate action to address violence and neglect within prisons. Families are calling for a commitment to change, urging officials to prioritize the well-being of inmates over institutional interests.