Rising to the Moment - Camino Update

Originally published 09/12/2025

In recent months, we’ve seen a significant uptick in the number of community members facing immigration removal proceedings in Orange County. With the rising number of raids and the shifting landscape of immigration policies, many individuals—often those seeking legal status or fleeing hardship—are caught in a system that seems more intent on pushing them out rather than offering a fair hearing or opportunity to remain.

Unfortunately, a major gap exists in our area when it comes to affordable removal defense. While we’ve been able to provide support in other areas of immigration law, such as family- based petitions and naturalization services, removal defense in this current climate is an area we have not yet been able to address. This is largely due to the capacity and funding limitations we’ve faced as an organization. However, the growing need is undeniable, and it is imperative that we step up to serve this vulnerable group in our community. We must rise to this moment.
 

Why We Need to Act Now 

The need for affordable removal defense has never been greater. Currently, very few organizations in Orange County offer affordable legal representation in removal proceedings, and the few that do are overwhelmed with cases. This has created an environment where predatory attorneys are taking advantage of families in distress, charging exorbitant fees for subpar work.

The result? Immigrants—many of whom are trying to do the right thing—find themselves not only at risk of deportation but also financially exploited. As a result of these systemic failures, many individuals who could have a viable case for staying in the U.S. are forced to navigate the complex legal system on their own, leading to unjust outcomes. Our community deserves better.

Our Response to the Crisis 

I feel deeply convicted that we cannot stand by while so many people are left vulnerable. As a result, we are reworking our entire legal strategy to directly address the need for removal defense. Our plan is to establish a new, robust program that will offer legal representation and accompaniment to individuals caught up in the immigration raids and facing removal proceedings.

Currently, we are in the process of pursuing full accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice, which will allow our staff to represent clients in court and handle removal defense cases directly. This accreditation will take some time, but the urgency of the situation demands that we find immediate solutions.

Building Capacity to Serve the Community 

To address the immediate need, we are envisioning a two-pronged approach.

First, we aim to recruit and train attorneys who can assist with the court representation for removal defense cases. While our team will focus on preparing the cases, these attorneys can provide the legal expertise needed to navigate the complexities of court proceedings.

Second, we are looking to raise $50,000 to help fund this expansion. These funds will be used to build the capacity of our program—allowing us to hire additional staff, train volunteer attorneys, and ensure that our program has the resources to meet the needs of the community. We have already submitted several grant applications to help fund this work, but your support could make a tremendous difference.

How You Can Help 

We are reaching out to our partners and supporters to ask for help in two key ways:

1. Financial Support – We are in need of $50,000 to build the capacity necessary to offer removal defense services. If you are in a position to contribute to this cause, we would greatly appreciate the support. Your donation can help us provide critical legal representation to those who need it most.

2. Connecting with Attorneys – If you have any attorneys in your network who might be willing to volunteer their time or provide pro bono legal services for removal defense cases, we would love to connect with them. You can send an email to bethany@solidaritynpo.org if you have any leads.

Our work is far from done, but we are committed to finding a way to meet this moment and support those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that families facing removal proceedings are not left without the representation they deserve. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.

We are grateful for your continued support as we embark on this critical expansion of services. With your help, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of so many people in our community. Thank you for standing with us as we work toward a more just and equitable future for all.

Bethany Anderson 
Executive Director 
Camino Immigration Services and Solidarity 

UPDATE - As of 11/12/2025

Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve already raised about $25,000 towards our Removal Defense Fund — and that momentum is translating into real, immediate impact.

Because of this outpouring of love, we’ve begun walking alongside families whose loved ones have been detained, offering care, advocacy, and hope in some of their hardest moments. We’ve also expanded assistance to consultations and hopefully soon, full representation, for those in removal proceedings, ensuring they do not face any of it alone.
But we’re just getting started. Every dollar you give continues to fund urgent legal representation. Together, we are closing the gap for our most vulnerable community members during this critical time.

Donate and share today to help us reach our next goal of $50,000.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with immigrant families and for believing in the dignity and value of all. 

With gratitude and solidarity,

Bethany Anderson 
Executive Director, DOJ Accredited 
Camino Immigration Services + Solidarity