Brittany Castle

The Project

Brittany will provide legal advocacy to detained immigrants experiencing serious physical or mental health concerns through direct representation and litigation support.

As the rate and length of immigrant detention rise each day, tens of thousands of immigrants are subjected to harsh conditions of confinement while they pursue relief from deportation. Affected individuals, communities, and non-profit organizations have documented a systemic denial of adequate medical treatment in detention, yet individuals often have few avenues to seek release from detention. This project seeks to utilize creative litigation strategies to challenge the legality of detention under these conditions, providing direct representation while also developing materials for pro se individuals.

Fellowship Plans

Brittany plans to convene with community members and legal services providers to identify current trends in the NYC area detention facilities and collect data on practices related to medical treatment in detention. And, Brittany plans to request information regarding ICE policies and procedures through FOIA, FOIL and OPRA requests. Also, Brittany will develop a referral system for organizations who regularly meet with detained individuals in order to identify potential clients, conducting follow-up meetings with detained individuals and their families. Finally,  Brittany will research and draft briefing challenging the legality of detention in the absence of adequate medical care, in conversation with habeas and prison condition experts, as well as mental health and disability rights organizations.