A Netflix series showcased a real-life hotline for detained immigrants, so ICE shut it down
newsdepo.com
Apparently, someone at the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement binge-watches “Orange is the New Black.” In an episode from the show’s final season, released in its entirety on July 26, fictional imprisoned characters use a toll-free numA Netflix series showcased a real-life hotline for detained immigrants, so ICE shut it down
Apparently, someone at the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement binge-watches “Orange is the New Black.” In an episode from the show’s final season, released in its entirety on July 26, fictional imprisoned characters use a toll-free number to contact Freedom for Immigrants. Freedom for Immigrants is a very real and essential resource for the thousands of immigrants being detained across the nation who are guaranteed few rights, as the characters soon discover. (MILD SPOILERS AHEAD) Unlike in prison, detainees do not have a right to a lawyer for their immigration hearing. They can't make a phone call until money has been added to their account, but no one knows where they are and the machine is broken anyway. Maritza can't even send a letter because she has no money for a stamp. Blanca tells Maritza that it's worse than prison; the ICE agents worse than the guards. Other characters in the show come to the rescue as best as they can: They discreetly share the number for Freedom for Immigrants, with a scripted warning that ended up eerily accurate. “You have to be careful, though. Apparently if they figure out that you’re using the hotline, Big Brother shuts it down.” Sure enough, on Aug. 7, less than two weeks of the entire “OITNB” farewell season dropping on the streaming service, ICE had blocked all access to the FFI hotline. Read more