News & Commentary

Despite the fact that she was pregnant, GEO staff at Mesa Verde Detention Center shackled Monserrat Ruiz Cuevas—handcuffs, ankle cuffs, and waist chain—for a trip to the hospital in a downpour. While getting into the vehicle, Monserrat tripped on the shackles and fell hard on her stomach, unable to break her fall. The very next day, Monserrat began bleeding heavily.

Building security at the San Francisco Immigration Court was forbidding pastors, who participated in the peaceful vigils outside the court, from accompanying families to their immigration court hearings in what we saw as blatant retaliation, even though both activities are strongly protected by the First Amendment. This carried with it serious constitutional implications and took an emotional toll on families fighting for their right to refuge in this country.

Immigration detention centers are notorious for extreme isolation and inhumane conditions. So we were more than concerned when we learned a few weeks ago that ICE wants to send immigrants to a new detention facility that would put their health and wellbeing at risk.

While the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability Program (DAPA) is being challenged in court and countless immigrant families are caught in the legal battle, we want to pause and remind everyone to remain vigilant of their rights.

We are very pleased to announce that California Lawyer magazine has honored our own Julia Harumi Mass with a 2015 California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) award!

I was born and raised in LA, but sheriffs detained me because they didn’t believe I was an American. I've sued the LA Sheriff’s Department for detaining and harassing me for more than 14 hours after they should have released me.

With a smile, Sonny Villar said, “Magkikita tayo sa daan,” as he wrapped up his testimony at an Asian Pacific Islander (API) media briefing on AB 60 driver’s licenses last Monday at the Asian Resource Center. California’s AB 60, also known as the Safe and Responsible Driver Act, went into effect January 2015 and allows all eligible California residents to apply for a driver’s license, regardless of their immigration status. API community organizations provided materials in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Urdu, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, and Khmer.

Countless immigrant families have been torn apart as a result of our failed immigration system. We hope the President’s deportation relief programs can move forward soon.

Recently, the ACLU of Southern California participated in an event in Kern County on AB 60, California’s new Safe and Responsible Driver Act. The act, which went into effect on Jan. 2, 2015, permits any eligible Californian to obtain a driver license, regardless of immigration status.

The excitement in the room over the AB 60 license and its importance to the community was palpable. The event, organized by the State Bar of California and hosted by Kern County Supervisor Leticia Perez, was standing room only. Over 350 people were in attendance.