Fighting the Secret Surge: Habeas Petitions and the Call for Volunteer Attorneys
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With the opening of the new detention center in Appleton, immigration detention and habeas petitions have taken on renewed significance. Metro Surge may have ended but a secret surge has taken its place, resulting in an increased need for pro bono attorneys. Join us for an overview of recent developments, the current detention landscape and how Minnesota attorneys can help expand access to justice for people in immigration detention through habeas petition volunteer efforts. You will hear from actual volunteers that it’s not as hard as you might think.
Presenters will explain the purpose and role of habeas petitions, discuss bond hearings and immigration court proceedings, share successful efforts to date, and explain how attorneys can get involved. Participants will learn where to find practical resources and materials to support their volunteer work.
Volunteers need to be admitted to federal court, but the admission process is straightforward. You can help ensure that people facing unlawful detention have someone advocating alongside them.
Learn how to sign up for the Minnesota Habeas Project or Twin Cities Habeas Collective, access available resources, and put your legal skills to work.
Panelists
Alison Griffith | Supervising Attorney, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Benjamin Gleekel | Removal Defense Attorney, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
Chris Jardine | Supervising Attorney, Advocates for Human Rights
Coryn Johnson | Staff Attorney, Binger Center for New Americans
Jason Schellack | Managing Attorney at Autism Rights Center; volunteer with Twin Cities Habeas Collective
CLE Credits
1.0 Standard CLE Credit | Event Code: 557073
Self-Registration Deadline
December 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM. After this date, please contact the event manager.
More event information can be found here.
