PORTLAND, Ore.—Innovation Law Lab filed a lawsuit today on behalf of CLEAR Clinic and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN) against ICE, CBP and DHS. The lawsuit challenges the agencies’ practice of denying people detained by ICE or CBP meaningful access to counsel before their transfer out of state. 

The legal challenge comes as Oregon is experiencing a sharp increase in ICE enforcement throughout the state including in Eugene, Woodburn, Hillsboro and other surrounding areas. The groups say denial of access to counsel deprives community members of their due process rights and puts them at high risk of prolonged detention and deportation. 

“Federal agents are targeting schools, workplaces, and homes and spreading fear across Oregon,” said Jordan Cunnings, legal director at Innovation Law Lab. “They are blocking attorneys from meeting with detained Oregonians, showing complete disregard for the rule of law and due process. We are asking the court to ensure that ICE follows the law. Oregonians do not support ICE’s unlawful tactics. The Trump administration and its agents must abide by the same rules as everyone else.”

“Masked agents are snatching people from our communities and denying Oregonians their fundamental rights,” said Reyna Lopez, executive director at PCUN. “We are suing today because our members are getting arrested and swept up by masked ICE agents in unmarked vehicles. All of the people detained still have due process rights and should be allowed to exercise them.”

“Denying our immigrant community members access to counsel has devastating, often life-threatening consequences,” said Leni Tupper, executive director of CLEAR Clinic. “We cannot stand by while ICE violates basic Constitutional rights.”