Immediate Legal Access Denied to Detained Individuals Following Ongoing Fresno County Raids
Fresno, Calif.—More than a week since the first reported immigration arrest and after dozens of immigrants have been detained as a result of immigration raids in Fresno County, UFW Foundation immigration attorneys are not being granted immediate access to meet with individuals at the Fresno ERO Processing Center or the surrounding detention facilities to conduct legal consultations. While the UFW Foundation has recorded the names of dozens of detained individuals to assist with legal services, it is believed the number of people detained to be much higher. Immigration attorneys report that ICE claims that there is no issue with attorneys being granted access.
Additionally, attorneys report that ICE does not appear to be updating the detainee database system and that those who show up on the system are individuals who have already signed voluntary departures without first consulting with an attorney. Attorneys have been in touch with several families who inform that their family member is being held in detention. However, according to our attorneys, when they appear in person to request access, ICE informs them that the detained individuals do not show up in its system. UFW Foundation attorneys believe this may be due to ICE not updating its systems until individuals sign voluntary departures.
The UFW Foundation provides free deportation defense legal services in California. Attorneys are on the ground providing impacted families with guidance and support during the active raids. UFW Foundation attorneys are available for comment.
UFW Foundation’s Director of Legal Services and Immigration Attorney Ambar Tovar, said:
“Our attorneys are prepared to meet with individuals on‑site, yet current access constraints make it difficult to deliver essential legal services. While detainee location information is not updated promptly, individuals are being transferred to other facilities, including out‑of‑state locations, before they have an opportunity to consult with counsel. These conditions create substantial obstacles for ensuring that people understand their rights and available legal options. We remain committed to providing accurate legal information and support to all individuals who request it, and we urge continued attention to the operational challenges that limit access to counsel.”
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The UFW Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, advocates for immigrants and farm workers across the U.S., and provides critical services as one of the largest providers of immigration legal services in California. For more information, visit https: www.ufwfoundation.org.
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