What’s behind the federal quota driving mass incarceration of immigrants? - - *Please note this event will occur on the 2nd Wednesday of May. In June we will return to First Wednesdays*   Join us for our monthly happy hour on Wednesday, May 13. We’ll discuss the federal quota that keeps 34,000 immigrants detained every day and ongoing legal and advocacy efforts to end this inhumane and arbitrary policy. This month, we’ll have the pleasure of introducing you to our partners from the Detention Watch Network (DWN). Together with CCR, DWN sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to force transparency about the quota. This event is FREE. Come to the discussion, grab a drink (happy hour specials), and meet new friends! Plus, CCR’s own DJ Ian Head will be playing a short set of soulful breaks and beats after the presentation ends. WHAT: Discussion with CCR Senior Staff Attorney Ghita Schwarz and Mary Small and Carol Wu of the Detention Watch Network. Followed by Q&A. WHEN: Wednesday, May 13 (Doors open at 6:00pm, program begins at 6:30pm) WHERE: Von Bar, 3 Bleecker Street, near Bowery (B/D/F/M to Broadway-Lafayette; 6 to Bleecker St.)  RSVP: Space is limited, Please RSVP below and help us keep count.   Background In November of 2013, Detention Watch Network (DWN) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies for information pertaining to the so-called "detention bed quota."  Since 2009, appropriations bills passed by the U.S. Congress have required 34,000 immigration detention beds be filled at all times, though the use of local jails and correctional facilities, as well as private correctional facilities. Advocating against the detention of undocumented individuals is a priority for to DWN, whose mission is to expose and challenge the injustices of the U.S. immigration detention and deportation system through the collective strength of its members.   The public has a right to understand the motives of government officials and agencies regarding this important policy issue, which devastates families and immigrant communities. Our FOIA litigation hopes to obtain information that gives the public a better understanding of the detention bed quota, the decision-making surrounding the quota, and its impact on detention policy and detention contracting decisions, both locally and at the national level. For more background on this issue, read DWN’s latest policy brief:  “Ending the Use of Immigration Detention to Deter Migration.”    A hearty thank you to Von for co-hosting!