Mary Go

Born and raised in Ecuador, Mary Go has been residing in New York City for about 13 years. Mary's son was sent to Rikers around 3 years ago at the age of 18. When describing what her emotional state when visiting him at Rikers she says, "It always gives us anxiety to see him there, and at the same time we want to see him." Mary makes note of the conditions of the Rikers facilities, saying “…it's a horrible place, it smells very bad. Structures maintenance is neglected, walls are stained, it’s disgusting...during the…pandemic, they did not want to give them food and they told them it was because the trays were dirty…My son told me that he goes days and days without eating.” Throughout her interview she also speaks about the treatment of those incarcerated there, mentioning that, "If they complain...they are not getting their notes, photos, letters, and so on. And there are cases where the captains or officials arrive, and they take away all their belongings and all the things that are very special to them. And it doesn’t matter whether they do that to provoke them, and create more situations - create more violence." Today, Mary is anxiously awaiting that day of her son finally coming home. (Summary written by: Anne Lacy)