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Removal Defense

Standing with families in immigration court to prevent deportation.

Free legal services for Bay Area people in removal proceedings, including residents detained in California’s Central Valley. Full representation currently prioritizes San Francisco residents. Habeas referrals are for San Francisco residents. Capacity is limited — ask when you call.

Call 415-575-3500

Who we serve

People in removal proceedings, detained or not, and families whose loved one has been arrested by ICE.

What we do

Limited full representation in immigration court, a waitlist for one-time filings, free consultations, and habeas petitions challenging illegal detention.

How to get help

Call 415-575-3500. Have the Alien Registration Number ready before you call.

Removal defense services

  • Full representation in immigration court

    We have limited capacity. We are currently prioritizing San Francisco residents.

  • Limited services

    There is a waitlist for help with one-time filings, such as an asylum or work-permit application. We typically contact people within a month.

  • Consultations

    Free legal consultations for detained and non-detained people in removal proceedings.

  • Habeas petitions

    We take referrals for habeas petitions — lawsuits against the government for illegal detentions — for San Francisco residents.

Before you talk to a lawyer

Gather what you can. Then call the front desk.

  • Alien Registration Number

  • How ICE made the arrest

    At home, at work, at court, or somewhere else.

  • Prior deportations

  • Criminal history

  • Prior immigration applications

  • Date and manner of entry

  • Current status in the United States

If a loved one is detained by ICE

Call your local rapid-response hotline first. Then gather the A-number, how the arrest happened, any prior deportations or criminal history, prior immigration applications, and the date and manner of entry.

Internships

The Removal Defense Program is accepting internship applications from undergraduate and law students for spring 2026, summer 2026, and fall 2026. Email a cover letter and resume to info@lrcl.org. Say whether you speak Spanish and which part of the work interests you.

Call the front desk

Have the Alien Registration Number ready before you call 415-575-3500.

Based in San Francisco’s Mission District. Eligibility and service area depend on the program — ask when you call.

La Raza Centro Legal

474 Valencia Street, Suite 295, San Francisco, CA 94103

415-575-3500

info@lrcl.org

Fax 415-255-7593

  • Immigration clinic: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:00 p.m.
  • Appointments: Call the front desk at 415-575-3500.