Category: Featured

Defender Launches Immigration Law Practice

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

The new practice will expand the office’s ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences.

 

PHILADELPHIA—The Defender Association of Philadelphia today announced the launch of its new Immigration Law Practice (ILP), expanding the office’s ability to protect noncitizens facing immigration consequences—both those navigating the criminal legal system and individuals with no contact with it.

 

As immigration enforcement has grown more aggressive, even a minor case–or no criminal contact at all–can put noncitizens at risk of detention, family separation, or deportation. The new ILP brings dedicated legal expertise into the Defender Association to ensure noncitizens receive accurate advice, informed advocacy, and representation.

 

“For many of our clients, one court case can change the course of their entire lives,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, “In the current climate, it’s critical that noncitizens have attorneys who understand how closely the criminal and immigration systems are connected—and who can advocate for outcomes that don’t cause unnecessary harm.”

 

The Immigration Law Practice will be led by Lilah Thompson, an experienced immigration attorney with a strong background in representing noncitizens facing complex legal challenges. She will be working alongside trial attorneys, social workers, and mitigation specialists to identify immigration risks early and help shape defense strategies that protect clients and their families whenever possible.

 

“Too often, people are forced to navigate a system that doesn’t fully account for the consequences they face as noncitizens,” Thompson said. “This unit is about making sure our clients have clear information, strong advocacy, and a real chance to protect their futures.”

 

The launch of the Immigration Law Practice was made possible through the support of key partners and funders, including the Stoneleigh Foundation, City of Philadelphia and the Parker Administration. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to fairness, due process, and a justice system that works better for everyone.

 

“We’re deeply grateful to the Stoneleigh Foundation, City Council and Mayor Parker for recognizing the urgency of this work,” Hudson said. “Sustained funding will be essential to ensure this practice can grow and continue meeting the needs of noncitizen clients across Philadelphia.”

 

The Defender Association also emphasized that protecting noncitizens involved in the justice system requires collaboration across institutions. Courts, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers all have a role to play by supporting diversion, considering immigration consequences in legal decisions, and committing to practices that respect due process and human dignity.

 

“When justice system partners work together thoughtfully, we can reduce unnecessary harm and strengthen families and communities,” Hudson added. “This new practice is an important step—but lasting change depends on continued partnership and investment.”

 

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Emergency Bail Hearings Safely Release 200 People

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

EBH has also helped reduce Philly’s prison population by over 1,000

 

PHILADELPHIA—One year after launching the Emergency Bail Hearing (EBH) initiative, the Defender Association of Philadelphia has helped more than 200 people safely return home while awaiting trial. Between October 7, 2024, and October 7, 2025, 230 people had their cases heard in Emergency Bail Hearings before Judge Karen Simmons. Of those, 216 people —93.9%— were ordered released. 

 

“This is what happens when justice system partners work together toward a shared goal of fairness and safety,” said Chief Defender Keisha Hudson, “The Emergency Bail Hearing program has given hundreds of Philadelphians a chance to fight their cases from home, stay connected to their families, and access the services they need to improve their lives.”

 

The EBH initiative is a collaboration between the Defender Association, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), the First Judicial District (FJD), and the District Attorney’s Office (DAO). The program was launched to respond to the urgent need to safely reduce the city’s jail population amid severe staffing shortages and unsafe conditions.

 

Since the EBH program began, Philadelphia’s jail population has dropped dramatically — from 4,700 in October 2024 to under 3,600 since April 2025. While the Emergency Bail Hearings are only one part of this progress, they demonstrate what’s possible when justice system partners coordinate effectively.

 

“This program is proof that dialog and cooperation between Philly’s justice system stakeholders works,” said Hudson, “Working together to identify people who can be safely released is just one way we can create a more just and sustainable system for everyone.”

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Immigrant Rights & Resources

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

Everyone in Philly has basic rights, included undocumented residents. We've provided some some basic information for our immigrant clients, families and communities to help you navigate what to do if you encounter ICE agents in Philly.

 

You can also download, print and share this info with your community: 

In English  |  In Spanish

Derecho a guardar silencio: No tienes que responder preguntas de la policía o de ICE sobre tu estatus migratorio, lugar de nacimiento u otros datos personales. Puedes preguntar con calma: “¿Estoy libre para irme?” Si dicen que sí, puedes irte. Si decides guardar silencio, dilo en voz alta: “Estoy ejerciendo mi derecho a guardar silencio” porque todo lo que digas puede usarse en tu contra.

 

Derecho a un abogado (y a un intérprete) en casos penales: Si la policía te arresta por un asunto penal, diles de inmediato que quieres hablar con un abogado. Tienes derecho a un abogado, y si no puedes pagar uno, un juez debe asignarte un defensor público. Si tienes el nombre o la tarjeta de tu abogado, dáselos a la policía; si no, pide una lista de servicios legales gratuitos. También tienes derecho a un intérprete en tu idioma para que puedas entender todo el proceso. No firmes nada ni aceptes ningún acuerdo sin que tu abogado esté presente.

 

Cómo conseguir un defensor público: Si te acusan de un delito y no puedes pagar por un abogado, tienes derecho a un defensor público. Sin embargo, la Defender Association solo puede representarse si un juez te asigna un defensor. Si te asignan uno, muestra su nombre o su tarjeta a la policía o al tribunal. Si no te asignan uno, la policía aún debe permitirte hacer una llamada gratuita. Pide una lista de organizaciones que ofrecen ayuda legal o apoyo a inmigrantes.

 

Derecho a un abogado en procedimientos de deportación: Si ICE te arresta por una violación migratoria, tienes derecho a un abogado, pero no se te asignará uno de forma gratuita. Debes conseguir tu propio abogado y cubrir los gastos legales. Si no tienes representación migratoria, pídele a ICE una lista de abogados de inmigración de bajo costo.

 

Si ICE llega a tu casa: No tienes que dejar entrar a agentes de inmigración a tu casa a menos que te muestren una orden de arresto válida firmada por un juez. NO abras la puerta para pedir la orden; mejor, habla con el agente desde la puerta y pídele que la pase por debajo o por la ranura del correo para que puedas leerla. Si tienes abogado, llámalo para que revise la orden contigo. Incluso en tu casa, mantienes tu derecho a guardar silencio. Si los agentes de ICE entran por la fuerza, mantén la calma, no resistas y di: “No doy mi consentimiento para que entren. Voy a guardar silencio. Quiero hablar con un abogado.”

 

Si ICE te arresta o detiene: Tienes derecho a guardar silencio y a llamar a un abogado. También tienes derecho a contactar al consulado de tu país (pide al oficial que los llame) y a recibir visitas de tu abogado, del consulado o de tu familia mientras estés detenido. No firmes ningún documento de inmigración (como una orden de deportación o una renuncia) sin hablar primero con un abogado. Asegúrate de decir claramente que deseas guardar silencio y hablar con un abogado antes de hacer o firmar cualquier cosa.

 

Si tus familiares quieren visitarte en detención migratoria: Ten en cuenta que cada centro de detención migratoria tiene reglas de visita diferentes. Tus familiares deben visitar el sitio web del centro para revisar los horarios de visita y luego llamar para confirmar los procedimientos. Tus familiares pueden averiguar dónde estás detenido visitando https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search. Una vez que sepan dónde estás, pueden encontrar las reglas de visitas para ese centro en: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities.


Derechos en la cárcel o en la corte: Incluso como detenido o prisionero, conservas protecciones fundamentales. No pueden torturarte ni darte castigos crueles o inusuales. Tienes derecho a practicar tu religión, a condiciones humanas y al debido proceso bajo la ley (por ejemplo, un juicio justo en la corte). El estado debe tratarte con dignidad y respeto a tus derechos humanos básicos.

 

Cómo un caso penal puede afectar tu estatus migratorio: En Filadelfia, la policía no pregunta por tu estatus migratorio cuando te arrestan o registran. En la mayoría de los casos, la policía y las cárceles de Filadelfia no retienen a personas solo porque ICE lo solicite. Pero aún así es importante tener cuidado. Un récord penal —incluso un simple arresto o cargos pendientes, aunque no hayas sido condenado— puede cambiar tu elegibilidad para alivios migratorios y aumentar tu riesgo de ser detenido por ICE. Es crucial hablar con tu abogado penal sobre tu estatus migratorio de inmediato, para que pueda ayudarte a protegerte de consecuencias migratorias.

 

Ayuda local y recursos para representación migratoria: Si necesitas un abogado de inmigración y/o recursos generales para tu caso migratorio, llama o visita una de estas organizaciones para referencias y apoyo:

 

Juntos (grupo de derechos de inmigrantes en Filadelfia); 

Community Legal Services (ayuda legal civil gratuita); 

HIAS Pennsylvania (servicios legales y sociales); 

Nationalities Service Center (ayuda legal civil gratuita y/o de bajo costo); 

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians (servicios de apoyo para personas no ciudadanas en Pensilvania); y

Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (coalición de grupos que ofrecen servicios legales y extralegales para personas no ciudadanas en Pensilvania).

 

Defender Statement on ICE Arrests at the Courthouse

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

As ICE continues to stalk our courthouses and arrest our undocumented clients, the Defender Association of Philadelphia stands with community members demanding an end to fear, detention, and deportation. We are proud to represent all Philadelphians, regardless of immigration status—and we remain committed to defending those targeted by unjust and inhumane immigration enforcement.

 

But standing with immigrant communities requires more than words. Every day, undocumented residents are funneled into deportation proceedings—often without lawyers who understand both immigration and criminal law. Without legal representation, their futures, freedom, and families are at risk.

 

We are engaged in an ongoing effort to secure funding for a dedicated Immigrant Defense Unit. With the resources to build this team, we can ensure that no one in Philadelphia is left to face detention or deportation alone. As ICE detention and deportation increases here in Philadelphia,  if this city truly values due process and dignity, it must invest in real defense for our immigrant communities.

Statement on Return of “Sweeps” to Kensington

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

Arresting and displacing people in crisis won’t make Kensington safer—real support and investment will.

 

PHILADELPHIA— “The Defender Association of Philadelphia has serious concerns about the City’s resumption of police sweeps in Kensington—an approach we warned against last year. As we said then, these tactics target people who are already struggling: people without housing, people living with addiction, and people who need care—not cuffs. Pushing people from one block to another without real support doesn’t make anyone safer.

 

“City officials promised a more compassionate strategy, including a “Wellness Court” meant to offer treatment instead of punishment. But so far, that hasn’t happened in any meaningful way. People are still facing charges without a clear path to treatment, housing and other critical supports. Once again, we’re seeing the system respond to a public health crisis with arrests and incarceration. The Defender Association is present in Wellness Court to assist with the lifting of bench warrants, but everyone who has an out-of-county detainer is being sent to the prisons, risking their safety. 

 

“As public defenders, we work every day to connect our clients with the services they need. But we’re doing it with too few resources—and now with four additional treatment programs closing in Philadelphia- there are less resources now more than ever to meet the increasing need for treatment. Our office has led the effort to safely decarcerate the jails so the City can comply with a federal contempt order. The City’s return to police sweeps undermines that progress and puts our clients and prison staff at risk.

 

We need a seat at the table in the city’s public safety plan. If leaders are serious about helping Kensington, they must include us in the planning and invest in what actually works: stable housing, mental health care, harm reduction, and legal advocacy.

 

“We’ve seen that real investment makes communities safer. Displacement and arrest do not.”
 

 

Statement on New Prison Oversight Board

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

PHILADELPHIA— “Philadelphia voters have approved the ballot measure to establish a permanent Prison Oversight Board in the City Charter—marking a major step toward accountability, transparency, and basic human rights in our local jails.

 

“With this vote, our city has sent a clear message: we will no longer look away from the unacceptable conditions faced by incarcerated people and prison employees. This result reflects years of planning, organizing and advocating for transparency and accountability.
 

“We are grateful to the voters, our advocacy partners, and Councilmembers Isaiah Thomas and Nicolas O’Rourke, who worked so hard to make this moment possible. The people have spoken, and they are saying ‘no’ to dangerous and inhumane conditions on State Road and ‘yes’ to oversight, accountability, and dignity.

 

“The Defender Association looks forward to working with the new board, City Council, and community partners to ensure real oversight and lasting change.”

 

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Statement on the Detention of a Defender Client by ICE

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

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.”

 

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Defender Statement on Non-Attorney Staff Union

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

“The Defender Association of Philadelphia congratulates AFSCME 47 and our non-attorney staff on their successful vote to unionize. We fully support their right to organize and are committed to working in good faith with the Philly Defender Staff Union to bargain for better working conditions and a stronger Defender for our staff and clients.

 

“Our attorneys unionized through a democratic process in 2020, and we are proud to continue that tradition of ensuring all staff have a voice in shaping their workplace. We look forward to collaborating with the newly formed union to build a workplace that reflects our shared commitment to justice, fairness, the well-being of our employees, and service to our clients.

 

“Our staff is the heart of our mission, and we are excited to take this next step together in strengthening the Defender Association as a place where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.”

 

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Defender Statement on Philly FY 2026 Budget

Posted on by GJackson@philadefender.org

The Mayor’s budget is bold and ambitious, but indigent defense should make up more than 1% of total spending. 

 

 

“The Mayor’s budget outlines a bold and ambitious vision for Philadelphia’s future—one that emphasizes investment in communities, public safety, and a more just system. But that vision cannot be fully realized without more funding for the Defender Association. In the Mayor’s proposed budget, indigent defense—a constitutional right—accounts for just 1% of total spending.

 

“The Board and staff of the Defender Association of Philadelphia thanks the City Council members who have already recognized the importance of funding public defense. Their support reflects an understanding that public safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s also about access to justice, effective representation, connection to services, meaningful alternatives to incarceration, and reentry. 

 

“The Defender Association’s budget proposal also includes a request for funding to start our first Immigrant Defense Unit. “Philadelphia’s immigrant communities are already being detained, and navigating a complex legal system, often without representation. Without dedicated funding for our Immigration Defense Unit, more families will be at risk of separation and removal and more residents will be left to fight for their futures alone. Philadelphia can’t claim to be a place of opportunity while denying people their right to representation.

 

“Our budget proposal also highlights the real need for Social Workers to support initiatives including Kensington Wellness Court and work with our youth and adult population.  Social workers are essential in stabilizing clients by connecting them to housing, treatment, and other critical services. Last year, we represented 44,000 adults, and only had 29 social workers on staff. 

 

“If we want a city where justice is truly accessible to all, we must ensure that the resources exist to make that promise a reality. We look forward to working with City Council and the administration this budget season to make these investments a reality and build a safer, more just Philadelphia.”

 

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