In prisons in the U.S.A. Muslim gangsters charge non-Muslim inmates a protection fee which they say is like Jizyah.

Answer

Jizyah is applicable only in an Islamic state which operates according to the Shariah. Without an Islamic state there is no Jizyah. A non-Muslim paying Muslims for protecting him is never Jizyah. In fact, it is not permissible to levy a charge on a non-Muslim seeking protection in a prison. If he is protected and out of his own free will he presents a gift without being pressurized, it will be permissible to accept. But this is not Jizyah. Money imposed on him for protecting him is exploitation and usurpation. It is callous and an act of haraam gangsterism. Wherever possible, protect people, Muslim or non-Muslim, without charging money. It is most despicable and not befitting Muslims to charge money for aiding others.