About Us
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Our Mission
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) is a next-generation social justice law firm that defends our immigrant communities against injustices in the immigration system.
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Our Vision
ImmDef envisions a future where no immigrant is forced to face an unjust immigration system alone.
Our History
Founded in 2015, ImmDef emerged from the bold vision of immigration attorneys and advocates determined to transform how due process is protected for immigrants facing deportation. Initially focused on universal representation—ensuring every immigrant in court had access to legal counsel—ImmDef has since evolved into a leading force for systemic change. Today, we champion both individual defense and structural reform, working to build a more equitable and humane immigration system nationwide.
ImmDef delivers comprehensive deportation defense, legal representation, education, and wraparound social services to over 30,000 detained and non-detained immigrants—children and adults—every year. Our team includes attorneys, advocates, and staff who are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, allowing us to provide culturally responsive legal services rooted in lived experience and deep community ties. This connection empowers us to serve with empathy, authenticity, and impact across Southern California and beyond.
Founded in July 2015 in the living rooms of visionary immigration attorneys and advocates, ImmDef has grown from a grassroots initiative into one of California’s largest immigration legal service providers. Today, our team of over 160 dedicated professionals operates out of four offices across Southern California, delivering expert legal support to immigrants in more than 10 counties—including Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Our rapid growth reflects our unwavering commitment to expanding access to justice and defending immigrant rights statewide.
Our Strategic Plan 2023-2026
Learn more about ImmDef's vision for universal representation, and our goals and strategies for 2023-2026. ​
Land Acknowledgement
Immigrant Defenders Law Center acknowledges that we operate on land originally and still inhabited and cared for by Gabrielino Tongva, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, San Fernando Band of Mission Indians, and the Serrano, Kizh, Chumash, Kumeyaay, Luiseño, and Cahuilla peoples. We honor generations of the First Peoples for their enduring stewardship of these lands and waters. We recognize that settler colonization resulted in stolen land, forced displacement, broken promises, and lasting trauma. We support indigenous efforts toward land reclamation, self-governance, healing, and the preservation of their traditions and cultures.
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