After being separated from his family and incarcerated by ICE for 3 years at NJ jails, we are so happy to share that Ousman Darboe has been released and has finally reunited with his family and loved ones. This week, he held his baby girl for the first time in over two years. He will now be able to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and milestones surrounded by those who care about him most.

While in ICE custody, Ousman experienced severe repression and torturous living conditions. Due to COVID-19 ravaging jails in prisons, Ousman endured 16-18 hours a day in solitary confinement which negatively impacted his mental health. The last 3 years of his life were stolen from him due to the anti-Black and Islamophobic carceral and immigration systems which disproportionately target Black Muslim immigrants. Now that Ousman is home, we hope he will be able to recover, heal, and reclaim time with his wife Lashalle, his baby daughter, the rest of his family, and his larger community.

Over 10,000 people signed the petition to #FreeOusman. We are hoping to raise $10,000 to support Ousman's transition back into the community by covering the cost of rent and living expenses for him and his family for at least the next 3 months.

Ousman is back home because he fought back and persevered against a system that works to break people down. He is also home in part thanks to the endless support he received from his community— that never stopped putting pressure  on his jailers to release him. From petitions, to phone zaps, to emails, to letters—we cannot underestimate the power and love Ousman received from his community.

In our collective fight for liberation, it is up to us to take care of one another. We ask you to continue extending your support for Ousman and his family.