News & Commentary
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From The Advocate: Federal trial on Angola’s ‘Farm Line’ forced labor has ended. Here’s where things stand.
Journalist Matt Bruce writes “‘The relief that they’re requesting is going to end the Farm Line. If you end the Farm Line, we’re not going to have any more produce,’” said Andrew Blanchfield, the lead attorney defending the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and state prison officials against the plaintiffs’ allegations.”
From The Lens: Angola Farm Line lawsuit, now class action, proceeds to five-day trial
Journalist Bernard Smith writes “The court will determine whether forced prison field labor is unconstitutional and in violation of federal disability law.”
Incarcerated Men Forced to Work on Angola Prison’s Farm Line Win Class Certification
On 12/23/25, a federal judge certified a class action for incarcerated men at Angola Prison who are forced to perform punitive farm labor under extreme, unconstitutional and conditions that violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Incarcerated Men Again Win Heat Protections for Forced Field Work
Yesterday, a federal judge granted a second temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Louisiana Department of Corrections and Public Safety related to the operation of the “Farm Line” at Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) during periods of extreme heat.

