Ann Garcia

The Project

Ann provides free immigration legal services to vulnerable immigrants detained in ICE detention centers or in criminal custody in north Texas.

The Inspiration

Need Addressed By Project

North Texas is bearing the brunt of the growing emphasis by federal immigration authorities on interior enforcement efforts. The region led the nation in ICE arrests last year with more than 16,000 arrests. Immigrants who have access to representation are up to ten times more likely to establish a right to stay with their families and communities in the United States than immigrants who lack representation. Yet North Texas has the lowest rate of representation of any other metropolitan area in Texas.

Highlights to Date

In the first year, Ann has:

• Represented detained individuals in bond and removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
• Provided advice and counsel to nearly 30 individuals in detention.
• Trained and mentored attorneys and law students growing their removal defense practice.
• Liaised with ICE and private detention center personnel to improve access to counsel, resolve issues with conditions of detention and bring instances of detainee mistreatment to light.
• Collaborated with community partners to mount deportation defense campaigns.

What’s Next

In the next year, Ann plans to:

• Continue to grow the free or low-cost removal defense capacity in North Texas.
• Continue to represent clients in bond and removal proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
• Provide a legal lifeline to detained immigrants who do not have access to counsel.
• Increase collaboration with community partners.
• Continue to hold ICE and private detention centers accountable.