Right now, the United States is experiencing unprecedented expansion of the immigration detention system. People are uniting to protect immigrant family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors by calling to shut down existing detention centers and blocking ICE proposals to build new ones as part of the Communities Not Cages campaign.
Communities Not Cages is amplifying local community organizing to end ICE detention while illuminating the dangers of the Trump administration’s multi-layered detention expansion plan. The gravity of this moment cannot be understated, particularly after the passage of the MAGA betrayal megabill that will supercharge Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation agenda, making ICE the largest law enforcement agency in the country. Shockingly, ICE’s budget now exceeds many militaries around the world.
In this critical moment, the Communities Not Cages campaign draws attention to the people across the country who are uniting to protect their family members, neighbors, and friends. In the face of the administration’s unrelenting expansion of immigration detention, communities across the country are demanding to shut down detention centers and halt detention expansion
The Communities Not Cages campaign has three dedicated branches: 1) stopping expansion, 2) uplifting communities, and 3) shrinking the system: shut down campaigns. The campaign amplifies the longstanding local organizing of Detention Watch Network (DWN) members, advocates, and allies across the country, while building a nationally coordinated strategy with the goal to ultimately abolish the detention system in its entirety.
Take Action
If you want to unite for the rights of immigrants, the Communities Not Cages Campaign is a great place to start. ICE’s detention centers are everywhere, which makes federal policy a local issue in communities nationwide. At Detention Watch Network, we can connect you with community organizing already happening in your area.
How to Support the Campaign
- Spread the word. Follow Detention Watch Network on social media (Bluesky, Instagram) and use #CommunitiesNotCages to join the conversation.
- Join a local campaign. Are you nearby one of these facilities and want to learn more about local organizing? Email program@detentionwatchnetwork.org and we will connect you to local campaigns leading shut down efforts.
Want to connect or have questions? Contact program@detentionwatchnetwork.org
ICE Immigration Detention Expansion Map
This map depicts the Trump administration’s multi-layered detention expansion plan.
Campaign Materials and Art
- Campaign Explainer
- Campaign Toolkit: Live toolkit to fight detention and deportations
Disponible en Español
