The Removal Defense Project provides legal assistance to newcomers and long-time residents of the Central Valley facing removal proceedings before the immigration court. We believe that every immigrant facing the immigration court should be afforded their due process rights with dignity and respect.  

Direct Legal Representation 

Our team provides direct legal representation to detained and non-detained immigrants facing removal proceedings. We represent immigrants detained at the Mesa Verde Detention Facility in Bakersfield, CA seeking release from detention in bond proceedings and removal hearings. We represent non-detained immigrants in removal hearings before the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Van Nuys Immigration Court. 

Community Legal Education and Pro Se Assistance 

The Removal Defense Project provides legal orientations to immigrants facing removal proceedings via community workshops. Through these orientations, immigrants and their families are informed about the process and rights before the immigration court. Every person facing removal proceedings that attend our legal orientations is afforded a free consultation by our legal providers.  

While our project seeks to provide universal representation to Central Valley residents in the future, immigrants unable to secure direct legal representation can receive limited pro se assistance including, change of address, change of court, and application assistance. 

Given heightened ICE enforcement in Central Valley communities, we provide rapid response assistance and resources to immigrants facing ICE encounters.  

Advocacy  

The Removal Defense Project works alongside local, regional, and state coalitions to advocate for policies that protect our communities from ICE enforcement, detention, and deportation.