Category: Criminal Justice Reform
Statement on the Detention of a Defender Client by ICE
People living in Philadelphia should have the right to due process, regardless of their immigration status.
“Last week, after a Defender Association client’s case was dismissed at a preliminary hearing for lack of evidence, he was detained by law enforcement and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even though there was no outstanding warrant.
“We’ve raised this matter with the Courts, Philadelphia Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Law Department, and City Council, and we are in active communication with immigrant rights organizations across the city.
“The Defender Association has long held that no one should be subjected to immigration enforcement while seeking justice in our courts. What happened last week is a deeply troubling reminder of the real risks faced by non-citizens navigating our justice system. It underscores the urgent need for the city to invest in legal protections for immigrant communities, including the creation of a fully staffed Immigration Unit at the Defender Association, a core priority outlined in our FY26 budget request.
“We remain committed to protecting the rights of all Philadelphians and fighting for a justice system that is fair and safe for everyone, regardless of immigration status.”
# # #
Defender Statement on Juvenile Detention Special Report
PHILADELPHIA—”Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer special report highlighting the alarming rates of juvenile detention and placement and the abusive conditions faced by young people in the justice system brings much-needed attention to a heartbreaking reality. We’re grateful to the Inquirer for shining a light on this issue and for sharing perspectives that show the real impact of these systemic failures.
“We are also grateful for the exceptional advocacy of our leadership team and public defender, Brendan Lokka and to our client, Abdul Anderson. Our youth often express how terrified they are to speak up on their experiences in detention and placement. Adbul’s bravery in coming forward and speaking to his experience shines a bright light on what so many of our youth go through as they navigate an already traumatic and detrimental juvenile justice system.
“For too long, our youth justice system has fallen short in providing the care, safety, support, education, and rehabilitation that children need. The conditions described in the story aren’t isolated—they’re part of a larger problem rooted in outdated policies that focus on punishment instead of prevention, alternatives to detention and placement, and rehabilitation. The Defender Association has been calling for action and offering solutions, but meaningful change will require bold contributions from every leader and organization that plays a role in our system.
“We’re committed to working together to build a youth justice system that prioritizes protecting and uplifting young people rather than causing further harm. We invite city and state leaders, community groups, and advocates to join us in making the changes our youth desperately need.
“This is a moment to reflect on how we can shift resources from detention to supporting youth and families at home and in the community. If detention or placement is the only option, we must invest in the trauma-informed rehabilitation and robust education and reentry support they deserve so that they can thrive.”
# # #
Keisha Hudson on Passage of Prison Oversight Bill
PHILADELPHIA—“The Defender Association of Philadelphia applauds City Council–in particular, bill sponsors Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke–for the unanimous passage of prison oversight legislation. This bill represents a crucial step toward accountability and transparency in Philadelphia’s jails.
“Managing over 4,000 individuals in secure facilities is a monumental task that requires effective oversight and community partnership. This legislation is an important first step toward building trust and ensuring the City’s correctional system is accountable for the safety of prison employees and incarcerated people.
“The passage of this bill is a pivotal moment for reform, but to be effective, every system stakeholder must collaborate on the implementation of this legislation and other solutions to the systemic challenges within our jails. The Defender Association remains committed to collaborating with justice system partners to create meaningful and lasting change.”
# # #
Defender Days at Prevention Point
Each month, the Defender Association teams up with Prevention Point for Defender Days. We offer legal resources, including information on expungements and probation terminations for eligible clients.
Bookmark this page for information on upcoming Defender Days
Join Our Youth Action Board!
Are you 18-23, currently system involved, or have you transitioned out of the system? Do you have something to say? Apply to join our Youth Action Board!
The Youth Action Board (YAB), is a youth-led collective that aims to amplify the voices of older youth (ages 18-23) who have experienced the foster system. Together, our mission is to evoke change and bring awareness to the issues older youth face as they transition out of the system.
The YAB advocates for:
-Raising awareness for youth and connecting them with important services;
-Dismantling systemic injustice and improving legal representation;
-Encouraging services that are culturally aware, trauma informed, and courteous;
-Conflict resolution and effective communication; and
-Promoting leadership, story telling, and uplifting
The YAB will campaign, organize, and advise on issues strictly impacting Older Youth in child-serving systems. This group will guide how to better serve and represent youth in ways that respect their agency.
This is an opportunity for you to be heard and to be at the forefront of making a difference! Apply to be a part of the Youth Action Board!
Fill out the Youth Action Board application here
Download and share the Youth Action Board Flyer