From Detention Centers to Data Centers: Why the Fight Against Data Centers is a Fight for Democracy

Text the Unruly Hotline Here🙏 We make Unruly Subjects 100% independently! Support the show on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/UnrulySubjects This week, Unruly Subjects is diving back into one of our most popular and urgent topics: the explosive growth of corporate data centers and the community-led movements rising up to stop them. We are joined by Astra Taylor (writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Debt Collective) and Saul Levin (environmental policy advocate and host of the new podcast The Hum).Drawing from their co-authored article in The Guardian, they break down why the battle over AI infrastructure isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a fundamental battle for democracy, human labor, and the future of our communities.But first, host Chenjerai tells the story of what he saw on the frontlines while visiting Delaney Hall, an ICE detention center in Newark, NJ, where detainees have launched a hunger strike. Hear Chenjerai read a letter written by one of the men detained at Delaney Hall.Plus, stick around until the end to hear a performance from 11-year-old hip hop phenom RoqueStarz, son of RodrigoStarz of Rebel Diaz.📝 Got a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself?  Take the Unruly Subjects Audience Survey.Follow Chenjerai on Instagram @chenjerai and Bluesky @chenjerai.bsky.social and follow Unruly Subjects @unrulysubjectspod. Get in touch [email protected] Subjects is also now on YouTube! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@UnrulySubjectsAdditional Music in this episode is from Blue Dot SessionsUnruly Subjects is created in partnership with Rowhome ProductionsFurther reading & sources from this episodeSaul Levin’s Podcast: The HumErin Brockovich Launches Data Center MapTake Back The Land (People’s Remix) by Rebel DiazAstra Taylor and Saul Levin’s Article from The GuardianHear Chenjerai Read "Our Cry: A Letter From Inside Delaney Hall" Support the show