C has been a victim of extreme persecution and torture, but was successful in winning protection from deportation at his hearing last month, and was finally released after 6 months of detention. C was initially detained in immigration custody in December of 2023, after appearing for a routine ICE check-in in Philadelphia. Because C had a prior removal order, he was given a reasonable fear interview, and ultimately permitted to apply for protection from harm before the Immigration Court, with his PAIFUP lawyer representing him since January of 2024, when he was flagged for PAIFUP representation by a partner community-based organization, Juntos. Prior to his detention, C was an active volunteer and community member in Philadelphia. Because he had a prior deportation order, ICE would not release him while he went through his case, despite multiple and persistent requests from his PAIFUP attorneys and support from PAIFUP partners and community-based organizations like Juntos, PICC, and council members on Philadelphia City Council. Ultimately, because C’s case was granted, he was released home to Philadelphia, just shy of 6 months of detention. His community is thankful to have him back and he is grateful to be free from detention and doing the things he loves – cooking, being with friends and his community, and supporting his young daughter and family abroad.

M is a lawful permanent resident and client who was finally released after 6 months of detention in June. Four of those months were after the Immigration Judge had already granted a motion to terminate his proceedings back in February, finding that he could not be deported under the law and could keep his green card. This was based on a complex legal analysis under the categorical approach, that required substantial briefing back and forth with the government on a novel area of law. After the Immigration Judge terminated M’s case, the government appealed the decision. But, in June, the Board of Immigration Appeals ultimately granted M's motion to dismiss the government’s appeal resulting in M's release. M has a traumatic brain injury and serious physical injuries, and this release means he'll be able to receive the medical care he needs and rejoin his family, including his two young U.S. citizen children who he calls every day.