Immigration clinic students successfully won a bond for a young mother of three who Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Baker County Jail had detained.
Second-year law students Maria Alonso, Anusha Joshi, and Julie Saynganthone prepared a compelling case for bond before the immigration court. Their client, a survivor of domestic violence, faced detention after her ex-boyfriend initiated a police call, leading to her arrest and subsequent ICE detention. This 911 call triggered a series of events that separated the clinic's client from her children, even though she was their primary caregiver.
"The feeling of winning a pathway for our client to be released is unmatched and indescribable," said Saynganthone. "I wish other people could truly feel what I experienced in that moment. Suddenly, all the hard work, obstacles, and frustrations we faced in our client's case no longer mattered. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. And court is fun!"
The students interviewed family members, prepared sworn declarations, and gathered various exhibits to build their case. They meticulously investigated the circumstances surrounding the 911 call and crafted a detailed memorandum of law advocating for their client's release on bond.
"Securing a bond for our client was the most rewarding achievement of my career," said Alonso. "I have always been passionate about helping immigrants, but I've also had a fear of the courtroom. With an incredible team by my side, this experience was unforgettable. Witnessing the positive outcomes of our legal work and the joy it brings our client motivates me to continue my mission of providing legal assistance to immigrants."
In court, the students presented a strong argument for a low bond, facing off against objections from the attorney representing ICE. Their hard work culminated in a successful outcome, with the court granting a low bond that allowed their client to be released and reunited with her children.
"I felt a sense of such relief and pride in myself and my team when the immigration judge granted our client a low bond," said Joshi. "At times, the journey to the courtroom felt endless, but I am so grateful for my team and the support of the immigration clinic. I will never forget this experience and what it taught me."
On any given day, ICE holds over 37,000 in detention, including in local county jails like Baker County Jail. Jailed immigrants have no right to an attorney at government expense in their immigration case. As a result, many appear before the immigration judge without representation.
"In general, it is much harder to get released from civil immigration detention than criminal custody," explained Professor Rebecca Sharpless, director of the Immigration Clinic, who supervised the students throughout the case. "People are often surprised by this harsh reality. It's counter intuitive."
As the students celebrate this achievement, they remain committed to continuing their work in immigration law, advocating for justice, and reuniting families affected by the immigration system.
Read more about Miami Law’s clinics.
