Pictures of immigrant children and families with a purple overlay

Border Humanity Project: 勛圖眻畦's Fight for Humanity at the Border

Congress Passes Refugee Act of 1980

Congress passes the Refugee Act of 1980, aligning the U.S. with the Refugee Convention of 1951, and ensuring people who are fleeing persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion are not sent back to places where they risk persecution.

勛圖眻畦 Immigrants Rights Project is Founded

The 勛圖眻畦 Immigrants Rights Project (IRP) is founded under the leadership of Lucas Guttentag with a mission to protect the rights of immigrants.

勛圖眻畦 Joins Class Action Lawsuit Challenging Reagan Administration

The 勛圖眻畦 joins several religious and civil rights organizations in a class action lawsuit challenging the Reagan administrations discriminatory denial of nearly all asylum applications from people from El Salvador and Guatemala, where civil wars involving U.S.-funded militaries were raging.

Eventually, the government agreed to give new asylum hearings to 240,000 individuals from these countries

勛圖眻畦 Challenges Detention of Haitian Asylum Seekers at Guant獺namo

The 勛圖眻畦 joins the Center for Constitutional Rights and Yale law students in challenging the detention of Haitian asylum seekers living with HIV at a detention camp at Guant獺namo, eventually winning their release and closure of the camp.

Many rows of uniform tents at Guantanamo

Haitian refugees at Guantanamo

Merrill Smith

勛圖眻畦 Challenges California Prop 187

California voters adopt Proposition 187, denying most education, health, and social services to anyone suspected of not being a citizen or legal resident. The proposition also requires police, health care professionals, and teachers to verify and report peoples immigration status, including the status of children. The 勛圖眻畦 of Southern California and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) bring a constitutional challenge against the measure, ultimately prevailing after a five-year legal battle that prevented its implementation.

Congress Enacts Laws Targeting Immigrants

Congress enacts two sweeping new punitive laws: The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act imposes criminal penalties and restrictions on a broad range of immigrants, while the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act imposes a five-year bar against most legal immigrants before they may be considered for federal public benefits.

勛圖眻畦 Leads Legal Challenge to Expedited Removal System

The U.S. implements an expedited removal system that operates in virtually complete secrecy and short- circuits due process for people seeking asylum. Low-level immigration officers have authority to deny entry to people seeking refuge based on an on-the- spot determination. The 勛圖眻畦 leading a coalition of civil rights organizations, refugee groups, and pro bono law firms organizes a legal challenge to the expedited removal system.

A crowd lined alongside a road, with the frontmost person holding a sign that says "REFUGEES WELCOME"

勛圖眻畦 Files Friend-of-the-Court Brief in Martinez v. Regents of the University of California

California passes AB 540, a landmark law expanding in-state tuition eligibility to certain students that graduated from California high schools, including those who are undocumented. In 2010, the California Supreme Court upholds the law after challenges from anti-immigrant groups. The 勛圖眻畦 files a friend-of-the-court brief in the case, Martinez v. Regents of the University of California, along with the National Immigration Law Center, 勛圖眻畦 of Northern California, 勛圖眻畦 of Southern California, and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties.

U.S. Implements Series of Anti-Immigrant and Racist Laws in Aftermath of 9/11

In response to terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the U.S. implements a broad range of hardline restrictions targeting immigrants, Muslims, Arabs, and South Asians. The U.S. terminates further negotiations with Mexico over an immigration legalization agreement, imposes new border restrictions, cuts refugee resettlement, creates a discriminatory registration system (NSEERS), and passes the REAL ID Act, disqualifying many categories of immigrants from obtaining drivers licenses.

Congress Passes Homeland Security Act of 2002

Congress passes the Homeland Security Act of 2002, creating the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and numerous agencies under its direction, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which houses the U.S. Border Patrol. Funding to these agencies skyrockets in the years that follow: The number of Border Patrol agents nearly doubles from Fiscal Years 2003 to 2019. The number of ICE agents devoted to its office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) nearly triples during this period.

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico Responds to Anti-Immigrant Vigilante Group

Anti-immigrant activists form the Minutemen, a vigilante group intended to monitor, intimidate, and deter immigrants suspected of entering without inspection at the southern border, especially in Arizona. 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico trains teams of volunteer legal observers to follow, photograph, and videotape the Minutemen to gather evidence for possible civil rights lawsuits.

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Arizona, and MALDEF File Class Action Lawsuit Against Anti-Immigrant Law Enforcement, Proposition 100

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Arizona, and MALDEF bring a class action lawsuit against Sheriff Joe Arpaio successfully challenging his office's pattern and practice of racially profiling Latine residents during traffic stops and illegally detaining them on suspicion regarding their immigration status. They also bring a separate class action lawsuit challenging Arizonas Proposition 100, a state constitutional amendment that prohibited bail for suspected undocumented immigrants, a law ultimately struck down by the courts.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio speaking at an event

Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Gage Skidmore

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Texas, and Advocates Challenge U.S. Department of States Refusal to Issue Passports to Immigrants

勛圖眻畦 of Texas represents nine Americans challenging the U.S. Department of State's refusal to issue them passports because of the geographic region of their births and because their births were attended by midwives. The class action lawsuit was filed by the 勛圖眻畦 of Texas, 勛圖眻畦, the international law firm Hogan & Hartson LLP, and Refugio del Rio Grande, Inc.

勛圖眻畦 Files Lawsuit Challenging Prolonged Detention of Asylum Seekers Without a Bond Hearing

The Ninth Circuit upholds an injunction ordering the government to provide bond hearings to asylum seekers detained for six months or more, after the 勛圖眻畦 files a class action lawsuit, Rodriguez v. Hayes, challenging prolonged detention of asylum seekers without a bond hearing.

Arizona Passes SB 1070 Show-Me-Your-Papers Law

Arizona passes SB 1070, the show- me-your-papers law, subjecting people who appear or sound "foreign" to discriminatory traffic stops and immigration status checks. The law also authorizes police to arrest people believed to be deportable and creates state crimes for failure to carry federal immigration papers and working without authorization. 勛圖眻畦 affiliates issue travel alerts warning their state residents of the risk that they will be racially profiled if they travel to or though Arizona.

勛圖眻畦 of Arizona Challenges Border Patrols Unlawful Practices

勛圖眻畦 of Arizona files civil rights complaints on behalf of five people who were unlawfully stopped by Border Patrol roving patrols in Arizona. The complaint also cites cases involving Latine residents of Tucson and other Arizona cities, as well as Native American residents of the Tohono Oodham Nation, who have been pulled over and interrogated by Border Patrol agents for no apparent reason other than their perceived race or ethnicity.

勛圖眻畦 and Affiliates Sue States Over SB 1070 Copycat Laws

勛圖眻畦 and affiliates sue Arizona and several other states that enact SB 1070 copycat laws. The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down three of SB 1070s provisions but leaves in place the provision authorizing police to inquire into immigration status during traffic stops. 勛圖眻畦 announces a war chest to challenge these laws in court and prevent their spread to other states.

In Texas, anti-immigrant state legislators narrowly fail to pass an SB 1070 copycat law. 勛圖眻畦 of Texas works behind the scenes by activating law enforcement, faith communities, and business voices in opposition to the law, and mobilizing public opposition to stop the bill.

A crowd of people, some carrying a large banner that reads "Stop Hate: Yes to Reform Yes to Dream"

Protestors in Los Angeles, marching to support Arizona immigrants and gay rights

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勛圖眻畦 of Texas Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Immigrant Women Sexually Assaulted in ICE Custody

勛圖眻畦 of Texas files suit in federal district court seeking class action damages on behalf of three immigrant women who were sexually assaulted while in custody of ICE at the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Center in Taylor, Texas, along with numerous others who experienced similar trauma. This litigation was a key moment as the 勛圖眻畦 and 勛圖眻畦 of Texas pursue a campaign to challenge the practice of detaining immigrant children and families.

勛圖眻畦 Calls for Investigation of CBP Abuse Allegations

On May 9, 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico's Regional Center for Border Rights, together with 勛圖眻畦, file a complaint to DHS documenting abuse against travelers at ports of entry on the United States border with Mexico. The 勛圖眻畦 calls for the prompt investigation of individual allegations of abuse by CBP.

勛圖眻畦 Calls on CBP to Address Use-of-Force Incidents

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico's Regional Center for Border Rights and 勛圖眻畦 press CBP to develop policies governing use of force. The 勛圖眻畦 begins developing recommendations to address CBP use- of-force incidents. These recommendations include calls for specific revisions to CBPs Use of Force Policy Handbook; an upgrade in equipment including body-worn cameras for CBP agents; a robust and transparent system of oversight and accountability; and a call for CBP to develop a policy on notification and reporting on all deaths that occur as a result of a CBP encounter.

勛圖眻畦 of Texas and 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico Sue CBP for Misconduct

勛圖眻畦 of Texas and 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico sue CBP and the University Medical Center of El Paso for strip searching a U.S. citizen and subjecting her to six hours of invasive searches including rectal and vaginal probes without a warrant. Three years later, CBP and the medical center reach a record settlement with the woman totaling over $1.5 million. All four BHP affiliates send letters to 40 health care providers covering 110 facilities warning them against similar conduct and advising them of the rights and responsibilities of hospital personnel when confronted by federal agents who request they perform invasive and illegal body cavity searches.

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Immigrants Wrongly Expelled to Mexico

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties files a class action lawsuit on behalf of hundreds of immigrants misled by the federal government and wrongly expelled to Mexico, negotiating a comprehensive settlement with DHS that includes an agreement allowing individual plaintiffs and a class of qualified persons to return to the U.S. to seek legal status. (Lopez-Venegas v. Johnson)

勛圖眻畦 of Arizona and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties Sue Border Patrol Over Right to Protest Checkpoint Operations

Arivaca, Arizona residents sue Border Patrol over their right to protest checkpoint operations (represented by 勛圖眻畦 of Arizona and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties). The group, People Helping People, had been monitoring racial profiling and abuse at the checkpoint, and Border Patrol responded by threatening arrest of any protester who strayed inside a large enforcement zone surrounding the checkpoint.

A road sign that reads "Border Patrol Immigration Checkpoint Ahead"

A road sign in Arivaca, Arizona, which reads "BORDER PATROL IMMIGRATION CHECKPOINT AHEAD"

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勛圖眻畦 Asks U.N. Human Rights Committee to Conduct Probe on Human Rights Violations at the Border

勛圖眻畦 leads a coalition letter asking the United Nations Human Rights Committee to conduct an assessment of U.S. compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as it relates to human rights violations at its international borders. This calls attention to the expanded militarization of border communities, deaths along the border, abuses in detention, and traumatic family separations.

勛圖眻畦 and Affiliates File Lawsuit Following Cross-Border Shooting

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Arizona, and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties file Rodriguez v. Swartz on behalf of Araceli Rodriguez, for the unjustified killing of her son, Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, who was shot 10 times by a Border Patrol agent firing into Mexico from the U.S. side of the border. In September 2015, Agent Swartz was indicted for second degree murder, the first time a Border Patrol agent had been federally prosecuted for murder.

勛圖眻畦 Files Lawsuits Challenging Family Separation Policy

勛圖眻畦 files two lawsuits challenging an Obama administration policy of locking up asylum-seeking mothers and children in Texas and New Mexico in order to intimidate and deter others from coming to the United States.

A protestor holding a sign that reads "Seeking Asylum Is Not A Crime"

Tanya Bindra

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties Sues City of Escondido for Unlawful Discrimination

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties sues the city of Escondido for violating the federal Fair Housing Act by refusing to approve a permit for Southwest Key Programs, a non-profit government contractor seeking to provide housing to unaccompanied children fleeing violence and persecution in Central America. With support from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, 勛圖眻畦 and Escondido settle to redress unlawful discrimination against hundreds of vulnerable children. (Southwest Key Programs v. City of Escondido)

勛圖眻畦 and Partners Win Civil Contempt Trial Against Anti-Immigrant Sheriff in Arizona

勛圖眻畦 and partners win a civil contempt trial against anti-immigrant Sheriff Joe Arpaio and two other top commanders in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Arizona for their refusal to comply with court orders. The U.S. Justice Department then brings criminal contempt charges against Arpaio.

勛圖眻畦 Exposes Abuse and Neglect of Unaccompanied Immigrant Children

勛圖眻畦 of Arizona and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit that ultimately yields tens of thousands of documents showing the pervasive abuse and neglect of unaccompanied immigrant children detained by CBP. In 2018, the documents were published in conjunction with the International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School.

A protestor holding a "Free the Children!!" poster

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勛圖眻畦 OF Arizona File Lawsuit Against DHS Officials Over Conditions in Border Patrol Holding Cells

勛圖眻畦 of Arizona and partners file Doe v. Johnson, a class action lawsuit against DHS officials, challenging conditions in Border Patrol holding cells overcrowding, extreme cold, denial of sleep, lack of medical care, and deprivation of food and water. Plaintiffs file the lawsuit on behalf of all persons who are now or will be confined in a Tucson CBP detention facility for one or more nights. The court granted a permanent injunction in 2020 ordering the agency to implement various reforms and allowing plaintiffs counsel to monitor conditions in Tucson facilities.

A hand gripping a fence in a holding cell

Detained immigrants wait in a holding cell

Joel Martinez / The Monitor via AP

Anti-Immigrant Sheriff Ousted from Role in Arizona Following Pressure from Community Leaders

Latine leaders in Maricopa County play a key role in ousting Sheriff Joe Arpaio from his 24-year tenure. During the election, Arpaio was forced to carry the political burden of legal challenges against him, filed by 勛圖眻畦 and others, with his opponents pointing to the millions in legal fees and damages and the distraction caused by his controversies.

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties Provide Know Your Rights Materials to Local Demonstrators

After an El Cajon, California police officer fatally shoots Alfred Olango, an unarmed African immigrant experiencing a mental health crisis, 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties provides Know Your Rights materials and guidance to demonstrators and deploys legal observers to protect individuals First Amendment right to assemble and protest.

勛圖眻畦 and 勛圖眻畦 of Texas Challenge Anti-Sanctuary State Law

Texas enacts SB 4, an anti-sanctuary law requiring local government and law enforcement officials to comply with federal detainer requests and carry out other federal immigration directives. 勛圖眻畦 of Texas and 勛圖眻畦 sue, but the law remains in place after the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reverses the district courts ruling that had struck down almost all provisions of the bill.

勛圖眻畦 and Affiliates Challenge Muslim Ban

The 勛圖眻畦 and its affiliates across the country file legal actions challenging the Muslim ban President Trumps executive order banning foreign nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries from visiting the United States and suspending the entry of refugees from these countries. On June 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States upholds the Trump administrations third Muslim ban.

Protestors holding signs, including 勛圖眻畦 branded "NO MUSLIM BAN" posters

Allison Shelley

Regional Center for Border Rights Relocates to Texas

The Regional Center for Border Rights relocates to Texas, with support from 勛圖眻畦. 勛圖眻畦 of Texas leads the continuation of work conducting Know Your Rights education, documenting government misconduct and advocating for reforms that protect human life and dignity. The office remains a collaboration of all four border affiliates.

勛圖眻畦 and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties File Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administrations Family Separation Policy

勛圖眻畦 and 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties file a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations family separation policy. The lawsuit, expanded to a class action in March, was filed on behalf of an asylum-seeking Congolese mother who was separated from her 7-year-old daughter, one of thousands who suffered needless cruelty under a policy intentionally designed to separate children from their parents. The suit ultimately results in the reunification of thousands of migrant children with their families. (Ms. L. v. ICE)

Two people hugging after reuniting

Hope Hall

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Asylum Ban

A federal judge blocks a Trump asylum ban that illegally denied people who entered between ports of entry the opportunity to seek asylum, in response to a lawsuit brought by the 勛圖眻畦, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Center for Constitutional Rights.

勛圖眻畦 and Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Remain in Mexico Policy

The 勛圖眻畦 and other groups file a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols, more commonly known as Remain in Mexico, a policy that forces asylum seekers to remain at risk in Mexico while their cases are considered in the U.S.

A barbed wire topped fence in front of an encampment

Guillermo Arias

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico Calls on Officials to Investigate Militia Groups Activities at the Border

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico exposes and calls on officials to investigate the activities of the United Constitutional Patriots (UCP), a militia group that is patrolling the southwest border, taking dozens of immigrant families hostage and turning them over to Border Patrol. Ultimately, the leader of the group is convicted of federal gun crimes and UCP abandons its activities.

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico and 勛圖眻畦 of Texas Lobby to Impose Restrictions on the Border Wall

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico and 勛圖眻畦 of Texas expose the activities of We Build the Wall (WBW), an organization backed by political strategist Steve Bannon that is building a border wall across federal property at a point where the borders of New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico intersect. The affiliates lobby the International Boundary & Water Commission to impose restrictions on the wall, which it ultimately does. Soon thereafter, Bannon and the organization's founder, Brian Kolflage, are charged with federal wire fraud crimes in a scheme to divert privately-raised funds for WBW to Kolflage's personal use. Kolflage and two other WBW officials plead guilty while Bannon is ultimately pardoned by then- President Trump.

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Texas and Sierra Club Go to Court to Stop Construction of Border Wall

勛圖眻畦 of Texas issues a report on the impact of the federal border wall and subsequently goes to court to stop the wall with 勛圖眻畦 and the Sierra Club. In July 2023, the case is finally settled when the government agrees to halt further wall construction and mitigate environmental damage in the sites illegally funded by the Trump administration using stolen Defense Department funding.

勛圖眻畦 and Affiliates Launch Border Humanity Project

勛圖眻畦 launches the Border Humanity Project, a new multi-state initiative aligning the efforts of 勛圖眻畦 and the four southwest border affiliates. The project aims to strengthen the 勛圖眻畦s nationwide work, capacity, and mobilization power in support of the humane, equitable, and lawful treatment of border residents and migrants.

勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Texas, and Legal Partners File Lawsuit Challenging Title 42

The 勛圖眻畦, 勛圖眻畦 of Texas, and legal partners file a lawsuit seeking an immediate halt to the Title 42 expulsion policy, which illegally restricted immigration at the border based on an unprecedented and unlawful invocation of the Public Health Service Act.

A collection of cloths representing the U.S. flag on a portion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

Guillermo Arias

勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties and Coalition Partners Call on County to Provide Funding to Support Immigrants

With the advocacy of coalition partners, in 2021, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors passes a $7.23 billion county budget that reflects 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties' shared values and priorities. Included were funds for the creation of an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the Immigrant Legal Defense Program, and Cash Assistance for Low-Income Immigrants.

Additionally, the 勛圖眻畦 of San Diego & Imperial Counties and coalition partners successfully advocate for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to allocate $3 million toward humanitarian reception services for migrants released onto the streets by CBP.

勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico Investigates Border Patrols Dangerous Vehicle Pursuits

After 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico, 勛圖眻畦 of Texas, and community partners document the high rates of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from Border Patrol's vehicle pursuits, CBP significantly revises its vehicle pursuit policy. 勛圖眻畦 of New Mexico analyzes the new policy in a widely distributed brief, identifying critical questions about how CBP plans to implement the new policy.

勛圖眻畦 Calls on Congress to Reject Anti-Immigrant Policies in National Security Package

勛圖眻畦 mobilizes rallies, press conferences, and lobby days demonstrating opposition to reckless increases in border and immigration enforcement and sweeping new restrictions against people seeking asylum, contributing to the defeat of a border deal negotiated by a small group of senators.

A group of protestors holding signs that read "Asylum is a Human Right"

A group of people protesting asylum restrictions

Will Martinez