We are horrified by the ICE raids occurring in our state and across the country right now. We know that attorneys from our community are being denied access to people in detention and are unable to speak with their clients. The number of people taking to the streets over the last several days is proof of how important it is to stand with the community and protect our rights.
The legal aid community, at our core, exists because the legal system is unfair to many who cannot afford an attorney. We speak up in the legislature, in meetings of local government, at hearings, and in any space where our voice can amplify the voices of our clients.
We strongly oppose the deployment of ICE in Los Angeles and in other California cities – targeting people who are going to work, who are attending worship services and graduations, and who are using our state courthouses to protect their rights. Stationing ICE at courthouses is abhorrent and directly puts people’s lives at risk. Even those who hold green cards and student visas are no longer safe from deportation.
We also support the lawful protests that are happening in response to raids and other harmful federal actions. We applaud those who exercise their free speech rights to say that this is wrong and to stand up for neighbors and loved ones.
LAAC condemns all violations of due process and militarized attacks on ordinary people going about their lives. We will always stand with our immigrant communities, and commend the legal aid workers on the ground who continue to defend all of our rights and the rule of law.