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Minnesota Detainee Assistance Program
The Minnesota Detainee Assistance Program, operated jointly with the Advocates for Human Rights, Centro Legal, and area law schools, was created to meet the legal needs of detained immigrants. Unlike in the criminal court system, individuals held in immigration custody are not provided any legal assistance and are responsible for locating their own counsel. The vast majority are unable to afford the services of a private immigration attorney, and funderally funded legal aid organizations are prohibited from assisting detainees, leaving detainees with very few or no options.
The need for immigration legal and educational services has increased dramatically over the last three years, and the number of refugees and immigrants detained by the Department of Homeland Security in the Upper Midwest remains high. According to DHS statistics, the majority of detainees in the region come from Mexico, and significant refugee producing countries such as Somalia, Guatemala, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Liberia. Many in custody may be eligible for special relief under asylum, the Convention Against Torture, or Withholding of Removal.
It is critical that detainees receive legal representation to
advocate for release from detention, to advocate for humane detention conditions,
to facilitate departure, or to prevent illegal deportation through secret and
circuitous routes. Services in this program include deportation defense, representation
on appeal to the BIA and federal circuit courts, representation for long-term
detainees, and representation in matters such as applications for asylum, family-based
petitions, and other immigration benefits.
If a friend of family member is being held in immigration custody, an attorney from this project will provide a consultation at the detention center prior to his or her first hearing. Although we cannot guarantee this service (due to the rising number of detainees), program staff makes every effort to meet with all detainees. There is no need to call our office to receive this service, as the attorneys regularly visit detention centers at pre-scheduled hearing dates.
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