Immigration Legal Defense Center Raises Significant Funds at Annual Event
On June 24th, the Immigration Legal Defense Center (ILDC) hosted its annual “Toast to Justice” event at Cabrillo Pavilion, successfully raising nearly $100,000 to support vital legal representation, counseling, and other critical programs.
Guests Gather for a Night of Hope
Following a welcoming reception featuring a taco bar and drinks, board chair Victoria Greene addressed attendees with the theme “Stories of Hope.” Greene highlighted the past 18 months as “beyond terrible,” pointing out the frightening reality of ICE raids that have led to residents being kidnapped and detained.
Celebrating Resilience and Capacity Building
Greene expressed gratitude for the progress ILDC has made over the past eight years, commending the staff for their adaptability in navigating ongoing shifts in government regulations. She also took a moment to recognize ILDC’s trauma-informed counseling program, which provides essential support to youth and families in distress.
Shining a Light on Immigrant Experiences
Secretary Julissa Peña spoke passionately about the challenges faced by immigrants, emphasizing the absurdity of ICE’s aggressive tactics. She noted that ILDC serves clients who have walked thousands of miles to shield their children from violence and those who have spent decades building lives in the U.S. “Our neighbors have been held for months in inhumane conditions,” she remarked, underscoring the broader issues of due process that many face.
Making a Difference Through Legal Action
In alignment with the event’s theme, Peña rejected the normalization of family separation and underscored the hope driving the organization’s efforts. Over the past year, ILDC represented more than 500 individuals facing deportation, addressed hundreds of emergency cases, and achieved victories in several federal habeas cases, securing legal paths for many young individuals to remain in the country.
Integrated Support for Families
In addition to providing essential legal services, ILDC has offered thousands of counseling and case management sessions over the past year. Peña commended her team’s innovative approach, emphasizing their commitment to addressing legal and emotional challenges concurrently, stating, “Human beings don’t experience legal issues separately from emotional issues.”
Demand Surpasses Capacity
Despite ILDC’s accomplishments, the demand for its services exceeds its capacity, with over 147 individuals currently on a waiting list for representation. The organization has also initiated habeas corpus cases, successfully securing the release of individuals who were unlawfully detained. ILDC has pivoted to focus on federal habeas corpus courts due to ongoing challenges within immigration courts.
Community Support Vital for Continued Services
Receiving slightly more than half its funding from government sources, including the state and local grants, ILDC faces additional challenges in securing stable financial resources due to the annual nature of these grants. With the ongoing threat of ICE raids and increases in financial burdens for families due to reductions in Medi-Cal coverage, ILDC’s need for community support is more pressing than ever. Peña urged the audience, “Every victory we celebrate was made possible because this community chose not to look away.” She highlighted the importance of investing in people during critical times.
