Innovation Law Lab v. Nielsen

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Oregon filed an emergency lawsuit to put an immediate end to the unconstitutional denial of attorney access to the detainees housed in the federal prison in Sheridan, Oregon. A federal judge sided with us and forced the government to allow attorneys in to see the detained men.

Today, not a single immigration detainee is left inside the Sheridan prison. The vast majority have been released according to law to live with family, friends, or sponsors while they pursue their asylum claims in immigration court. This incredible result is the product of an unprecedented collaboration between volunteers, advocates, lawyers, and community organizations across the state—and, of course, the courageous perseverance of the asylum seekers themselves.