Abolition is the Antidote to Fascism The PIC is the infrastructure of fascism.
Let’s dismantle it—together.
Dear Friends of Critical Resistance,
Across the US and beyond, fascism is not a looming possibility—it’s a present reality.
It wears a badge.
It holds a deportation warrant.
It signs a prison sentence.
From Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and increased surveillance to brutal repression of organizers inside and outside cages, we’re witnessing a deepening crackdown on resistance in our communities. Trump’s recent deployment of the National Guard to “take over” cities like Los Angeles without state approval signals a dangerous escalation of federal overreach—but it’s not happening in a vacuum. While politicians like Governor Newsom publicly oppose such moves, they continue to expand prison budgets and double down on policing—reminding us that fascism is bipartisan.
The prison industrial complex (PIC)doesn’t merely enable authoritarianism—it is the infrastructure of US fascism, built to uphold racial capitalism, white supremacy, and state control through policing, imprisonment, surveillance, and borders at all costs. In contrast, our organizing is infrastructure for liberation—the relationships, tools, and strategies we build to live, resist, and transform. And we need your support to sustain this life-affirming organizing now.
No fascism without prisons— no liberation without abolition.
This summer, we at Critical Resistance (CR) are continuing to mobilize against rising authoritarianism—and we’re asking you to join us.
CR is working across geographies to build power and dismantle the PIC:
Shutting down prisons in California—another facility was just announced for closure this month!—and fighting to ensure they aren’t converted into ICE cages;
Blocking ICE expansion in New York;
Halting construction of an environmentally disastrous federal prison in Central Appalachia;
Winning a $2 million cut to the Portland police budget this cycle and continuing to organize for divestment from policing and reinvestment in community health and safety
Contributing to internationalist work for abolition, including the fight to end collaboration between Georgia police and Israeli Occupation Forces, and building abolitionist consciousness through grassroots political education, media strategies, and formation-based tools across movements;
Growing collective strategy through formations like the Building Beyond Policing Network, Rising Majority, and Stop Cop City/Cop Nation;
And continuing to resource and nourish prisoner-led resistance through cross-wall projects like The Abolitionist Newspaper, CR’s prisoner solidarity phone lines & mail program, as well as a new project for Black August this summer—a Cross-wall Strategy & Power Building Retreat!
We’re calling on you to help raise $21,100 by the end of June to fuel this critical work. Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, your contribution helps us fund the work that makes abolition real. Monthly giving is especially powerful in helping us stay ready, nimble, and grounded through volatile conditions.
Donate today to support organizing that targets the roots—not just the symptoms—of repression.
We’re counting on you—our core community—to help sharpen and sustain the fightfor abolition. Give today and help sustain CR for the long haul.
With gratitude and resolve, - Critical Resistance
More Announcements
#TakeTheMic: Why do you give?
One CR donor recently shared: “I believe in the work you do. I want to see an end to this system and I'm inspired by the effort and effect and love in your organization.”
This month, we’re collecting messages from our donor community: Why do you fund abolition?
💹 Donate Stock: We now accept stock donations via Every.org!
🪩 Throw a House Party: Host a fundraiser with friends or community (in person or online).
🛍 Shop CR Gear: Every shirt, tote, and print supports our organizing.
☕️ Book a Coffee Chat: Want to hear more or plan a fundraiser with us? Let’s talk. Sign up for a call with our Development Team here!
🛠 Sponsor CR’s Cross-wall Retreat this Black August to build cross-wall power with our loved ones and comrades inside cages!
Fund Cross-wall Strategy: Sponsor CR's Black August Cross-wall Retreat
We’re raising $10,000 by July 5 for the Cross-Wall Strategy & Power Building Retreat—covering travel, food, materials, and mutual aid that fuel our collective resistance. While the retreat is invite-only for select movement partners, anyone can support or sponsor this critical convening.Donate today and help us spread the word throughout June!Bit.ly/CrosswallFund
Sneak a Peek Inside Issue 43: Imprisoned Columnist Stevie Wilson Calculates Risks in the Belly of the Beast
After preparing for early release and hoping to come home to a full-time fellowship with CR this spring, Stevie was denied parole as an act of repression for his organizing behind the wall in Pennsylvania.
