Advocates rally to release inmates from Long Island City state prison

Queensboro Correctional Facility in Long Island City. Photo via Correction History

By David Brand

Advocates and local elected officials have called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to release inmates serving the final term of their sentences in Queens’ lone state prison.

At least two inmates at the Queensboro Correctional Facility in Long Island City have tested positive for COVID-19. The state prison, located on Van Dram street, is a “short-stay” detention complex for people serving the final 120 days of their sentence. Inmates sleep in open dormitories, straining their ability to practice social distancing, advocates say.

Cuomo could unilaterally grant clemency to the inmates in order to release them from prison and prevent the spread of the illness in the close confines of the jail.

A handful of activists will travel to the prison Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in order to host a virtual rally with organizations and lawmakers from around the city.