Stop the Jail

Our Participatory Defense weekly meetings started at De-Bug nearly 15 years ago. Families got together every week and organized to support their loved ones' criminal cases. Through this process, De-Bug families began advocating for jail conditions after witnessing their loved ones' cruel mistreatment, including solitary confinement, abuse, and lack of medical care. A new group was created and started meeting to bring attention to the jail conditions in Santa Clara County. Their efforts evolved into a broader movement that included a hunger strike. This movement led to significant changes, including a lawsuit, policy reforms, and the prevention of a new jail. De-Bug families are now a political force, showing the power of community support in influencing prison conditions and reforms.​