From law enforcement abuses in Portland, Oregon to institutionalized violence in immigration detention facilities, public demands for institutional reform have included calls to defund local police forces, abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and dismantle the US Department of Homeland Security in its entirety. In response, some elected officials have responded with legislation that would effectively “defund the cities that defund the police”. But, what does it all mean? Experts will identify, describe, and contextualize emerging trends in institutionalized violence. They will also assess recent legislative proposals on merit and discuss practical policy solutions that ensure safety for all.