In the last episode before our midseason break, Janos brings on Insha Rahman, Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice. They discuss her work with the Bronx Defenders, the goal of the New York’s Close Ryker’s campaign to shift public perception on incarceration and jail systems, the challenges posed by political rhetoric, and how the fight for justice is directly connected to democracy. They also dive into how a Trump “crime bill” will not address the public safety and crime concerns of everyday Americans but rather is a tool for authoritarianism.

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Follow the Vera Institute on socials:

Instagram: @verainstitute AND @veraaction

Facebook: @verainstitute AND @veraaction

X: @verainstitute

Janos gives some updates on projections for the potential “crime bill” and its connections to immigration. Then, this week’s guest Jason Pye from the Due Process Institute talks about his involvement in the First Step Act and gives a libertarian perspective on criminal justice that transcends party lines and explains why fear-based policymaking and expanded federal immunity won’t make communities safer, and why so many Americans — across the spectrum — are beginning to reject that premise.

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Check out Jason’s subtack article: On the Death of Conservative-Libertarian Fusionism

Follow Jason and the Due Process Institute on X:

@pye

@idueprocess

Minneapolis residents and formerly incarcerated advocates Elizer Darris, Executive Director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, and Moncies Franco, former Valedictorian of the Dream Justice Cohort now working for the Health, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Lab, join Janos to give on the ground insight into the tragic killing of Renee Good and ICE occupation of Minneapolis. They speak on the unrestricted attacks on citizens, the community rallying, the intentional targeting of Minnesota by the administration, and the intersection of immigration and criminal justice in this moment. (Conversation starts at 12:10)

Kanda Milton, Dream.Org’s Government Affairs Director, also returns to discuss two bail bills passed by the House Judiciary that Dream is deeply concerned about.

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Justice-impacted community leaders can apply for the 2026 Dream Justice Cohort on Dream.Org’s website through March 22nd.

Follow our guests on their socials:

Moncies Franco

Facebook: moncies.franco

Tiktok: @monciesfranco

Linkedin: @moncies.franco

Instagram: @monciesfrancosr