The Karnes Pro Bono Project was launched in 2014 by a group of attorneys committed to serving the legal needs of women and children in the newly opened Karnes family detention center (“Karnes”). The project has since come under the direction of RAICES, providing free legal services to people in ICE custody at Karnes. The families are typically forced to pass a credible or reasonable fear interview before being released to pursue asylum. Failure to meet these requirements for asylum can lead to deportation, which can mean a return to persecution and death.

RAICES supports detained families by preparing them for their screening interviews, representing them in hearings before an immigration judge if they fail their interview, and submitting requests for reconsideration to the Asylum Office if the immigration judge affirms the negative interview decision. When the need arises, RAICES has helped persons detained at Karnes with parole requests, bond motions, asylum applications, representation in final asylum hearings in immigration court, and appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Our work also includes public advocacy campaigns and regular litigation and policy advocacy involvement.

For more information, contact us.