Advocates are demanding immediate action to address the deplorable conditions currently threatening the safety, health, and well-being of transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex (TGNCNBI) people housed at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Earlier this year, three people died in the facility – two by suicide — in a period of just four weeks.

A letter to New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III cites increases in unjustified uses of force, extended lock-ins, restrictions on out-of-cell recreation, lack of access to safe, private showers, as well as barriers to accessing gender-affirming clothing and care. These conditions were primarily implemented following the installation of Deputy Superintendent of Security (DSS) Michael Blot in the summer of 2025. 

“Despite numerous attempts from advocates and lawmakers to bring attention to the deplorable conditions at Bedford Hills, DOCCS has failed to address the dangerous conditions and practices ushered in by DSS Blot, which incarcerated people have reported has led to unjustified uses of force, denied medical and mental health care, and tragic losses of life,” said Erin Beth Harrist, Director of the LGBTQ+ Unit at The Legal Aid Society.

“We demand immediate action be taken to mitigate these harms and protect TGNCNBI people at Bedford Hills, including an independent investigation into the unjustified uses of force.”

More than 30 legal organizations, advocacy groups, and attorneys representing TGNCNBI clients have co-signed a letter to Mr. Martuscello III, which outlines several actions DOCCS can take immediately to mitigate this crisis.