Highlights From Our Current Work

With the recent uptick in ICE detentions, we have been working with other Utah immigration attorneys on a Habeas Task Force to make sure that those who are wrongfully detained can obtain legal counsel and seek release. The Federal Public Defender's Office has agreed to file habeas petitions in federal court, which, if granted, entitle the individual to a bond proceeding before the immigration court within 7 days. However, the Federal Public Defender's Office cannot appear in the immigration court and few attorneys (volunteer or paid) are trained to handle these proceedings.

For our first training under our new volunteer attorney training program, WIP organized a bond proceeding training, which took place on Tuesday, April 28. Led by 4 outstanding local practitioners, this pragmatic training included lectures, sample materials, and a role play designed to equip attorneys to handle a bond proceeding matter.

We invited all attorneys who volunteer or who have offered to volunteer for WIP. We also partnered with a number of Salt Lake City and Park City law firms to recruit attorneys. In total, 44 attorneys registered for the 4-hour CLE (32 live and virtual), including 3 law students who recently graduated. Of those trained, 40 have agreed to take on at least one bond proceeding on a pro bono (no cost) basis. One attorney remarked when she was leaving that she felt "ready to handle a case on my own." I felt the same way.

Following the ICE incursions in Park City and Heber City in April, many Wasatch Back community members already need help challenging their unlawful detentions. As cases come into the Federal Public Defender's Office, they are contacting WIP and we are assigning a volunteer attorney. Once habeas is granted, the volunteer attorney will prepare and file the bond pleadings, and then argue the matter. WIP attorneys will be available to mentor the volunteer attorneys at whatever level is required. WIP is proud to be a part of the response to what is happening to so many vulnerable members of our community.