Press Release

Contact:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM urges AG Garland, BOP to release medically vulnerable people in prison during Omicron surge

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland urging him to instruct the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to act now to protect medically vulnerable incarcerated people.

“In light of the Omicron wave making its way through the BOP, we’re calling on AG Garland to act,” Ring said. “Since March 2020, 275 people have died in BOP custody from Covid-19 — and not a single one of them was sentenced to die in prison. The BOP has the authority and responsibility to identify vulnerable people on whose behalf it can bring motions for compassionate release. Sadly, it turned its back on sick and dying prisoners, bringing just 32 cases forward in that time. They can — and must — do more to protect vulnerable people in prison.”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

###

FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.