Americans for Immigrant Justice
Press Releases

AI Justice responds to today’s deportation flight to Cap-Haitien  For Immediate Release April 18, 2024 Contact: [email protected] Miami, FL—Today, the U.S. government deported 74 individuals back to Haiti against the advisal of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the urging of over 480 immigration, human rights, faith-based and civil rights organizations.   “We are profoundly heartbroken by the U.S. …

For Immediate Release March 27, 2024 Contact: [email protected] Miami, FL—In recent weeks, the political and humanitarian crisis in Haiti has worsened, leaving more than 160,000 people displaced in the capital of Port-au-Prince and around 1.4 million Haitians on the verge of famine. During this difficult time for the people of Haiti, it is critical that the U.S. government ensure that people fleeing persecution …

February 5, 2024 For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected]   MIAMI, FL—Yesterday, after months of closed-door negotiations, a small group of Senators released the bill text for proposed legislation that would gut the U.S. asylum system in exchange for short-term foreign aid funding. Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) strongly opposes the proposed changes to asylum and border policy announced over the …

February 1, 2024 For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected] GENEVA—Today, seven immigrants’ rights organizations—Americans for Immigrant Justice, the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP), Al Otro Lado, RAICES, Haitian Bridge Alliance, Human Rights First, and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)—presented their concerns to the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UNWGEID) concerning the short-term enforced disappearance …

December 11, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected] MIAMI, FL — Americans for Immigrant Justice is deeply concerned by new reports that the White House is considering drastic and highly politicized changes to asylum policy to secure Congressional support for its supplemental funding request. These contemplated changes seek to eliminate access to asylum by heightening the legal standard for initial fear …

November 29, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected] WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators continue negotiations on President Biden’s supplemental funding request this week, immigrants’ rights groups are continuing to urge lawmakers to safeguard critical asylum protections and reject all proposals in the supplemental funding bill that deny access to immigration pathways.  Rather than limit longstanding U.S. asylum policy that has …

September 26, 2023 For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected] MIAMI, FL — Today, 74 immigrants’ and human rights organizations across the country sent a letter to the Biden administration decrying the government’s refusal to implement the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) non-return advisory for Haiti. To uplift the letter’s demands, Florida and National organizations held a press conference calling on …

For Immediate Release September 21, 2023 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI — Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced a number of new measures which greatly increase access to work authorization and temporary status for certain individuals. Among these measures are the extension and redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With this announcement, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who arrived in the United States before July 31, 2023, …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASES September 21, 2023 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI, FL — On Wednesday, September 13, a federal judge ruled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unlawful—stating that only Congress and not the Executive Branch can pass DACA-like legislation. The Biden Administration is expected to appeal the decision. Current DACA recipients are not immediately impacted and may continue to …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 7, 2023 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI — Today, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) and Fordham Law School’s Feerick Center for Social Justice released a groundbreaking report on the Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) program, a new fast-tracked process introduced by the Biden administration in May 2023 for families who enter the United States seeking asylum. Drawing …

For Immediate Release August 8, 2023 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI – Today, legal organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and American Immigration Council, filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to block Section 10 of Florida’s draconian anti-immigrant law, Senate Bill 1718. In a lawsuit, filed on July 17, the …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 26, 2023 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI, FLORIDA—Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the Biden Administration’s asylum ban violates U.S. law. The asylum ban was a key policy in Biden’s post-COVID era border response and had been in place since May 12, 2023. Under the now-defunct rule, asylum seekers had to obtain an appointment through the flawed CBP …

For Immediate Release:   July 17, 2023 Contact: [email protected] The complaint challenges the constitutionality of a provision within the law criminalizing the transportation of individuals into Florida MIAMI – Today, legal organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice and American Immigration Council, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s new anti-immigrant …

For Immediate Release:   July 1, 2023  Media Contact: [email protected] MIAMI – The Southern Poverty Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Florida, Americans for Immigrant Justice,  and American Immigration Council have announced they will file a federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s draconian Senate Bill 1718, which goes into effect today, July 1.  The groups are suing, charging the discriminatory anti-immigrant law …

For Immediate Release June 16, 2023 Contact: [email protected] Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, 69 civil, human rights, faith-based, and immigrants’ rights groups submitted a joint comment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in opposition to the proposed extension of the Biden administration’s asylum ban to include maritime arrivals. The extension further restricts asylum access …

Groups urge the Biden administration to ensure that asylum seekers are given full and fair access to the U.S. asylum system, including meaningful access to counsel  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 6, 2023  Contact: [email protected] Washington D.C. – One hundred and twelve civil, human rights, faith-based, and immigration groups sent a letter to the Biden administration to condemn the return to a Trump-era …

Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) welcomes the end of Title 42, denounces the Biden Administration’s asylum ban, and uplifts opportunity for compassionate immigration policy  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [email protected] Miami, FL (May 11, 2023) — For the past three years, the ability to access asylum in the United States has been effectively shut down by the Title 42 public health …

For Immediate Release: April 14, 2023 Media Contact: [email protected] MIAMI — The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and Americans for Immigrant Justice released the following statements in response to the Eleventh Circuit decision in the City of South Miami, et al. v. DeSantis, et al., a case challenging Florida’s law prohibiting sanctuary policies and requiring local police to act as …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2023 Media Contact: [email protected] Miami, FL – This week, the Biden administration published its proposed rule limiting asylum eligibility for migrants seeking safety in the United States. Shalyn Fluharty, executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, made the following statement:  “The U.S. government has a moral and legal obligation to provide a fair opportunity to …

For Immediate Release: February 16, 2023 Media Contact: [email protected] TALLAHASSEE – On Thursday, Feb. 16, Florida and national leaders responded to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature’s decision to create an expanded relocation program that will allow the Florida Division of Emergency Management (“DEM”) and law enforcement to hunt and target migrants anywhere in the U.S., including Florida, and …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 6, 2023 Media Contact: [email protected] Citing a pervasive history of abuse and human rights violations, groups call for immediate releases and closure of the facility Jacksonville, FL – 69 community advocacy and legal organizations have delivered a letter to the Biden administration calling for immediate termination of the contract operating Baker County Detention Center (Baker) in …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2022 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI — Today, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Leontire & Associates, P.C. and the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) of Harvard Law School filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Jared W. Perdue, Secretary of the Florida Department of …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2022 Contacts: Devra Gelman, Americans for Immigrant Justice, [email protected] ACLU of Florida Media Office, [email protected], (786) 363-2737 Jocelyn De Carvalho, Milbank, [email protected] MIAMI, FL — Several legal services organizations filed a lawsuit today against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for unlawfully preventing attorneys from communicating with immigrants detained in four detention facilities in Florida, Louisiana, …

For Immediate Release July 21, 2022 Contact: [email protected] Citing testimony of physical assault, medical neglect, racist harassment, and ongoing retaliation for public reporting, immigrants and groups call for immediate releases and closure Baker County, FL – 15 people either currently or formerly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Baker County Detention Center (Baker) today filed a federal …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [email protected] MIAMI (July 7, 2022) — Following news that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to extend its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention contract with Glades County, the Shut Down Glades Coalition celebrates the following five wins achieved by sustained pressure over the past year and a half in its fight to close Glades …

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Arthur Hernandez, Director of Development & Marketing305-573-1106 ext. 1100 | [email protected] Miami, Florida (May 24, 2022) – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) proudly announces the appointment of Shalyn (“Shay”) Fluharty as Executive Director. Ms. Fluharty will assume her duties on August 15, 2022. As announced earlier this year, co-founder Cheryl Little will retire at the end of June …

For Immediate ReleaseContact: [email protected] Miami, FL (April 7, 2022) – Yesterday, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) detailing patterns of abuse and mistreatment of immigrant children in CBP custody at the southern border. The complaint was filed concurrently with federal complaints by other immigration advocacy organizations – Kids …

Following the transfer or release of all remaining individuals under its custody from the Florida detention center, ICE announces end of “guaranteed minimum” agreement  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2022 Contact: [email protected] MIAMI — This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) transferred all remaining individuals in its custody out of the Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, Florida, …

For Immediate Release, March 1, 2022 Contact: [email protected] Immigrants at Glades County Detention Center exposed to harmful disinfectant multiple times a day  Miami, FL — Today, Earthjustice along with 13 community advocacy groups who are part of the Shut Down Glades Coalition called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate Glades County Detention Center in Moore Haven, FL for …

For Immediate Release Contact: [email protected] Growing number of lawmakers join immigrants and advocates’ demand to shut down Glades County Detention Center amid ongoing human rights abuses WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 2, 2022) — In a new letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, a group of 17 members of the U.S. House urged the Biden administration to immediately close the …

For Immediate Release Contact: Arthur Hernandez, Director of Development & Marketing 305-573-1106 ext. 1100 | [email protected] Miami, FL (January 5, 2021) – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) Co-Founder and Executive Director, Cheryl Little, will be retiring this spring after some 40 years of tireless dedication to the immigrant community in South Florida and across the United States. The search …

October 25, 2021 Contact: Rebecca Talbot, Immigrant Action Alliance, [email protected], 484-645-3394 Jessica Schneider, Director of AI Justice’s Detention Program, [email protected] A coalition of local and national organizations filed a civil rights complaint today calling for the release of people detained in immigration detention and for an investigation into serious abuses committed against two men detained in the county jail in Glades County, …

September 20, 2021 Newly obtained records reveal officials at Florida immigration detention center used industrial-strength chemical at 64 times strength allowed by EPA Contact: Jeff Migliozzi, Freedom for Immigrants, [email protected] Devra Gelman, Americans for Immigrant Justice, [email protected] GLADES COUNTY, Fla. – A disturbing investigative report published in Scientific American reveals that officials at a federal immigration detention center in Glades …

For Immediate Release August 12, 2021 Contact: Lisa Lehner, Director of Litigation 305-573-1106 ext. 1020 | [email protected] GLADES COUNTY, FL— Today, Muslim Advocates, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) and the law firm King & Spalding, announce a settlement with the Glades County Detention Center for its discriminatory and abusive practices at a county-run immigration detention facility that systematically prevented …

For Immediate Release February 22, 2021 Contact: Jessica Schneider, Director of AI Justice’s Detention Program, [email protected] GLADES COUNTY, FL— Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), along with eight other immigrant rights organizations, submitted a multi-individual federal civil rights complaint against the Glades County Detention Center (Glades) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The complaint was submitted on behalf of the approximately 300 …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 8, 2021 Contact: Jennifer Coberly, Senior Litigation Attorney, [email protected] MIAMI, FL – A federal court ruling allows a father and son torn apart at the border due to Trump-era family separation practices to continue their lawsuit for justice. After verbal abuse and threats of violence, law enforcement officers tore Juan,* three years old at the time, from his …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  February 5, 2021 Contact: Lisa Lehner, [email protected] ALBEQUERQUE, NM – On February 5, 2021, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), Ian Ross and Erica Perdoma of Stumphauzer, Foslid, Sloman, Ross & Kolaya, PLLC and David Urias and Josh Ewing of Freedman Boyd Hollander Goldberg Urias & Ward filed a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lawsuit seeking justice for …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  October 30, 2020 Contact: Jennifer Anzardo Valdes, [email protected] MIAMI, FL – During the past decade, tens of thousands of children have made the difficult decision to flee their countries and seek protection here. They are fleeing vicious gang violence, rape and other horrific abuses, many seeing flight as the only way to survive. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is …

MIAMI, FL – On August 28, 2020 Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) filed one of the first Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) cases seeking justice for a family separated at the border during the U.S. Government’s pilot program for family separation. In November 2017, “Andres” and his three-year old son “Juan” crossed the U.S.-Mexico border fleeing Honduras, following death …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2020 Contact: Eric Naing, [email protected] or Ariela Moscowitz, [email protected] Civil Rights Advocates Demand Miami ICE Facility Stop Feeding Pork to Detained Muslims  ICE Chaplain’s Dismissive Response to Immigration Detainees’ Complaints: “It is what it is.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Muslim Advocates, Americans for Immigrant Justice and the law firm King & Spalding LLP sent a …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 26, 2020 Contact: Ariela Moscowitz [email protected] / 305-573-1106 x 1100 MIAMI – Over 700 immigrants currently detained at Broward Transitional Center (BTC) have lifted their voices to bring attention to the dire state of hygiene and health care in the detention center. Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) joins the detained immigrants in their calls for justice, and urges Immigration and Customs Enforcement …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  March 17, 2020 Contact: Ariela Moscowitz [email protected] / 305-573-1106 x 1100 MIAMI – Despite the urgent need for this administration to immediately implement procedures for the prevention and management of COVID-19 at all Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities and other locations where individuals must report to ICE or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), little to no …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  January 28, 2020 Contact: Ariela Moscowitz [email protected] / 305-573-1106 x 1100 MIAMI – Since 1996, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) has fought to protect and promote the rights of immigrants in South Florida and beyond. On February 7, 2020, community leaders from across industries, sectors and partisan lines will gather to celebrate AI Justice advocates’ 24 years of …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Dec. 9, 2019 Contact: Larry Hannan/Southern Poverty Law Center [email protected]/(850) 661-0934 Contact: Mackenzie Sheldon/Americans for Immigrant Justice [email protected]/(305) 573-1106, ext. 1300 MIAMI — The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has failed to ensure the safety and welfare of immigrants incarcerated in South Florida detention facilities, according to a new report released by the Southern Poverty Law Center …

For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa Lehner, Director of Litigation 305-573-1106 ext.1020 [email protected] Miami, FL – (October 16, 2019) – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) has filed a Complaint and Request for Action on behalf of its clients and other Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees housed at the Glades County Detention Center (Glades) in Moore Haven, Florida. Serious concerns regarding Glades detainees’ access to counsel and the courts have been raised …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 28, 2018 Immigration, Legal Groups Demand DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Retract Lie That Trump Administration Was Not Implementing A Family Separation Policy Trump Administration Violated Federal Law In Issuing Deliberate Falsehood to Shift Debate and Mislead Public on Unconscionable Forced Family Separation Americans for Immigrant Justice, RAICES, Muslim Advocates, File Legal Petition Demanding Immediate Retraction …

Judge Finds Jurisdiction Over Challenge to Somali Deportations Miami, FL – (January 30, 2018) – U. S. District Court Judge Darrin Gayles ruled on Friday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is temporarily enjoined from deporting 92 Somalis who ICE had previously tried to deport in December 2017 in a botched flight that was forced to return the Somalis back to …

Class-action lawsuit represents 92 immigrants who were shackled and abused during failed deportation MIAMI, Fla. (December 19, 2017) – The Immigration Clinic at the University of Miami School of Law, Americans for Immigrant Justice, James H. Binger Center for New Americans at the University of Minnesota Law School, and Legal Aid Service of Broward County have filed a class-action lawsuit and …

December 6, 2017 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Eight immigrant rights organizations filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Office of Inspector General today on behalf of some of the 400 people swept up this summer in a DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation. The operation used unaccompanied immigrant children …

Miami, FL – November 21, 2017 – Last night, on the cusp of a holiday celebrating family, immigration, and welcoming all to our tables, we learned that Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Elaine Duke decided to terminate Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS), giving Haitians 18 months to pack their bags.  This announcement was a painful and cruel reminder of how …

September 5, 2017 – The decision today to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) sets a new low for an Administration bent on harming and dehumanizing our fellow immigrants. In 2012, when Obama provided a temporary reprieve from deportation for our country’s DREAMers – immigrants brought here by their parents as young children – it was life-changing. 800,000 of …

May 22, 2017 – Miami, Fl.   Department of Homeland Security sources have indicated that Temporary Protected Status for Haiti will be renewed for 6 months.  Following the January 12, 2010 earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, taking 300,000 Haitian lives and injuring 1.5 million, the United States granted Haitians Temporary Protected status (TPS), allowing them to live and work …

Miami, FL – January 25, 2017 – Today, President Trump signed two Executive Orders that have devastating effects on immigrants in our communities and asylum-seekers seeking protection at our borders. Trump’s Orders call for the immediate construction of a wall along the Southwest border; mandatory detention for asylum-seekers; massive expansion of immigration detention centers; the tripling of enforcement officers; the …

WHO: Khalid Mirza, Founding Member, Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations (COSMOS); Jose Antonio Zabalgoitia, Consul General of Mexico in Miami; Markenzy Lapointe, Partner, Boies, Schiller & Flexner; and Monica Lazaro, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) DREAMer client. WHAT:  The Immigrant Experience: Today’s Realities WHERE:  Coral Gables Congregational Church,  3010 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables WHEN:  Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, 7-8:30pm WHY: The Immigrant …

Miami, FL – October 9, 2016 – On September 22, 2016, the Obama Administration announced it was resuming Haitian deportations and new arrivals would face expedited removal. Countless Haitians who made it to the border since the policy change are currently in ICE custody in the San Diego area. Meanwhile, roughly 7000 Haitians without TPS who were released before the …

Miami, FL – September 22, 2016 – For the past several months, our Miami office has been assisting Haitians who left Haiti following the earthquake in search of jobs and safety in Brazil. They are now seeking refuge in the United States, given Brazil’s political and economic instability. Earlier today the Obama Administration announced that it is resuming Haitian deportations …

Documentary Film Screening and Panel Discussion at MDC’s Iconic Tower Theater  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Miami, FL – August 8, 2016 – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) presents Dream:  An American Story, an award-winning feature-length documentary film which chronicles the life of MDC graduate and former top student Juan Gomez on Monday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m., at Miami Dade College’s (MDC) acclaimed Tower Theater. …

Miami, FL – August 3, 2016 – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) presents Dream: An American Story on Monday, Aug. 29 at 5:30 p.m., at Miami Dade College’s (MDC) acclaimed Tower Theater. DREAM: An American Story explores the struggles of DREAMers through the story of Killian High School and MDC graduate and former top student, Juan Gomez, whose classmates …

Miami, FL – June 23, 2016 – In a split 4-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has left in place a nationwide injunction that leaves countless immigrants who have lived here for years, worked hard, paid taxes and have U.S. citizen children without hope for a better future. President Obama’s directive on November 20, 2014, granting Deferred Action to Parents …

AI Justice Receives W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grant to Assist Immigrant Families Impacted by Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Miami, FL – March 30, 2016 – Founded in 1996, Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice) is an award-winning non-profit law firm that protects and promotes the basic human rights of immigrants. In 20 years staff have provided services to …

New York, NY – February 19, 2016 – Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice), in conjunction with the law firm of Kurzban, Kurzban, Weinger, Tetzeli and Pratt, P.A., announced the settlement of a landmark Federal Tort Claims Act case on behalf of Alba Quiñonez Flores that challenged the conditions of her detention in multiple holding stations operated by Customs and …

Miami, FL – January 19, 2016 – Americans for AI Justice (AI Justice) announces an important settlement in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in March 2014. The federal suit sought to compel Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to produce comprehensive information and documents regarding detention conditions …

A New Documentary Featuring Filmmaker, Miami DREAMers, Killian High School Students, and AI Justice  Miami, FL – May 13, 2014 – A new documentary by filmmaker Aldo Bello – DREAM:  An American Story – will be shown on Thursday, May 15 at 7 pm at the University of Miami’s Bill Cosford Theater. Following the screening, there will be a discussion with …

Policy Went Into Effect on January 1, 2014, According to Official Miami, FL – January 16, 2014 – As of January 1, Miami-Dade County is no longer prolonging the detention of people in county jail based on detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to a letter from the county Director of Corrections. A resolution passed without opposition …

Miami, FL – October 17, 2013 – Earlier today DHS announced they will begin implementation of a Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) Program permitting certain Haitians residing in Haiti, whose family-based visas have already been approved, to join their US citizen and lawful permanent resident loved ones in the United States.  A scarce number of family-based visas approved by Congress …