Exploring the Intersection of Immigration and Criminal Law: 'Sansón and Me' Screening

On Wednesday, the Aoki Center welcomed the King Hall community for a documentary screening of Sansón and Me by filmmaker Rodrigo Reyes. The film took attendees on a journey into the life of a young immigrant serving life without parole and a filmmaker who was his court interpreter.

The event raised awareness and conversations about the intricacies of our penal system and its connection to our immigration system. Leading all in these discussions were criminal and immigration law experts, Professor Raquel Aldana and Professor Jack Chin, who shed light on the relationship between immigration law and criminal law systems.

The most poignant moment of the evening came when Anthony Jones, a community organizer with the Sacramento Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC), shared his personal experiences. He gave attendees valuable insights into the challenges of parole and stories of friends who were deported upon their release following an extended period of incarceration. Jones shared about the hardships one faces during their incarceration as they try to maintain "good behavior" in an inherently violent environment, further compounded by additional violations by officers.

The evening was filled with hope and the belief that together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.