Understanding the Jail-to-Detention Pipeline: Binder Singh’s Story
Our country is facing a reality many of us never imagined, and Binder Singh’s story is a wake-up call.
Binder Singh, a father and member of our extended community, was recently arrested in Madison County, Georgia, on a DUI charge that his family insists is completely unfounded. “He hasn’t consumed alcohol in years. No sobriety tests were performed. No breathalyzer, no blood test, nothing. At the time, he wasn’t even driving his own car, and he didn’t have his license with him.”
Although his family acted quickly and followed all the correct procedures to secure his bond, the unthinkable happened: an ICE hold was placed on him. Within a day, he was transferred to federal immigration detention, and since then, he has already been moved to a longer-term facility.
Click HERE to learn more about Binder Singh’s story and make a donation.
This is what we call the jail-to-detention pipeline, a system that connects local arrests, sometimes for minor or questionable charges, to federal immigration enforcement. Even if you’ve never had trouble with the law, interactions with local police can put you or someone you love at risk of being swept into this system.
This is why I am inviting you to our Saturday School: From Jail to Detention Centers: How the Pipeline Works. From Jail to Detention Centers: How the Pipeline Workshop is for anyone who wants to understand the local jail-to-detention system, protect families, and take action to advocate for justice in our community.
In this workshop, we will cover:
How the jail-to-detention pipeline works in Georgia and here in Athens
Your rights during an arrest and what to do if ICE becomes involved
Local stats on who is most affected and the types of charges that often trigger the pipeline
How our community can take action to protect families and fight for policy change
We will also talk about solutions, and ways we can interrupt the pipeline before it tears more families apart.
When: Every 2nd Saturday of the Month
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Oconee Street United Methodist Church, 595 Oconee Street, Athens, Georgia
Binder Singh’s story is heartbreaking. But it’s also a reminder: knowledge is power, and community action is hope. When we understand the system, we can help ourselves, our families, and our neighbors.
If you care about justice, fairness, and keeping our community safe — come learn, come ask questions, and come join us in creating change.
We cannot afford to wait. The pipeline affects all of us, and together, we can stop it.
