Security Threat Group policy is sugarcoated racial profiling aimed at torture

by Johnny Aguilar

Por-Vida-by-Raymond-Velasquez-web, Security Threat Group policy is sugarcoated racial profiling aimed at torture, Abolition Now! The experimental Security Threat Group (STG) gang identification policy is not what CDC is making it out to be. It’s a sugarcoated form of racial discrimination and racial profiling to cover their ass in torturing human beings in California’s isolation units.

We will not fall into despair until long-term solitary confinement is abolished and those that are still suffering are free from SHU and the torture has ended so that the thousands may begin a healing process from such long-term suffering. It’s another CDC experimental policy that yet again doesn’t work, and yet again wastes taxpayers’ dollars. It only contributes to hurting human beings.

Indeed, we as a society and class hold our legislation to a high standard. I agree with Mr. Ammiano on holding the lip service at the public hearings. He stated on Oct. 9, 2013, from what I read in a copy of the hearing transcript that I obtained, that it is clear that human beings have endured great suffering through the experimental policy of solitary confinement.

We cannot sit back any longer and be submissive to such policies. These acts have only contributed to the deprivation of life and of family and friendship connections that one depends on to live life.

So the point I want to make is that on April 3 the Legislature will hold a public hearing in Sacramento regarding the STG regulations that CDC is trying to implement but is yet another failure. Now here’s my research that I have personally experienced at Pelican Bay and now at Calipatria state prisons.

A total of three times 1030s were filed on me, meaning confidential informants talked to IGI in its so-called investigation saying I have some involvement with a gang, and they use that against me just because this so-called confidential informant stated it. This label CDC is using to identify prisoners involves no due process whatsoever on the lower level in challenging a gang label in the CDC 602 appeal process.

So whatever lies and stories that some guy chooses to tell just to be removed from a yard or a housing facility, the IGI will automatically assume they are true. So we are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”

We are paying a high price for being labeled racially. “He’s Mexican. He’s a gang member.” “He’s popular amongst his peers. He’s a gang member.” “He shaves his head bald. He’s a gang member.” “Oh, wait a minute, he has CDC clothing on. He’s a gang member.”

No matter what you say to defend yourself, you are guilty in the eyes of CDC. Since arriving here at Calipatria State Prison on Oct. 28, 2013, to the present date, March 6, 2014, I have experienced two lockdowns: One began Dec. 7, 2013, and we resumed normal program Feb. 8, 2014. The second started Feb. 27, 2014, and is still going.

My point is STG regulation. If anyone labeled or identified as STG I or STG II, regardless whether you’re involved or not in the individual isolated incident, you will be placed on lockdown – until the institution hierarchy feel you are not a threat.

It seems that this institution is carrying out a vendetta of retaliation and animosity towards any and all prisoners of Mexican descent with a free-for-all implementation of the STG regulations. Such experiments we cannot sit back and allow. We must stand up against CDC for reform, for change. We will not tolerate it!

I say this because I look ahead to how I want to be treated in the 10, 20, 30, 46 years to come. I only see such a policy hurting us prisoners as a whole, as a class. We will continue to value the End of Hostilities Agreement, and we will honor that agreement.

I do want to thank all those who wrote and sent the great color cards. We are here with you in this struggle for the long haul.

Send our brother some love and light: Johnny Aguilar, AF8730, CSP-GP, C-2-111, P.O. Box 5006, Calipatria, CA 92233.