We are overjoyed to celebrate the release of Esequiel Hernández after 12 long years of incarceration for a non-violent cannabis-related offense. Esequiel’s journey has been one marked by resilience, strength, and a deep sense of gratitude for those who supported him during the toughest moments of his life.

Esequiel was sentenced in the Western District of Texas on January 4, 2012, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, an offense that had occurred back in November 1998. Initially sentenced to 288 months in prison, his sentence was later reduced to 230 months, followed by 5 years of supervised release. His case was overseen by Judge Philip R. Martinez, and like so many others, Esequiel was caught in the harsh and outdated sentencing guidelines of the War on Drugs.

Despite the challenges, Esequiel remained a beacon of kindness and gratitude throughout his time in prison. He received support from Last Prisoner Project (LPP), which provided him with commissary funds during his incarceration and a reentry grant upon his release. This assistance helped ease the burden of his time behind bars and ensured he had the resources to begin rebuilding his life once he was free.

Reflecting on his release, Esequiel shared a heartfelt message:

*"Thanks to Last Prisoner Project for all your help while I was incarcerated. There's no words that can describe what you did for me in those hard days and for your condolences when my dad passed away a few months before I was released. It’s so nice to be free after 12 long years in prison for cannabis. Thank you so much.”*

Esequiel’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. Having communicated with him over the last few years, I can personally attest to his kindness and perseverance in the face of tremendous adversity. His release marks not just the end of an unjust sentence but the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with hope, freedom, and the opportunity to rebuild his life outside of prison walls.

As we celebrate Esequiel’s freedom, we are reminded of the urgent need to push forward in our fight for justice. His case, like many others, underscores the need for continued reform and clemency for non-violent cannabis offenses. Stories like his should inspire us all to keep working for change.