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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 5m

We are alarmed by the announcement of a new detention facility in Marana and completely oppose the expansion of immigration detention. You can read more about the inhumane conditions our clients have been reporting for years in Arizona detention centers here: firrp.org/wp-content/u...

firrp.org

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 5m

With essentially no oversight, it is nearly impossible for individuals in detention to get any assistance for urgent issues like medical neglect or abuse. As a result, ICE and private prison contractors have been allowed to operate with impunity and with no consequences or accountability.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

As attacks on immigrant communities intensify and despite funding cuts, we have remained on the front lines and will continue to ensure people have access to counsel, understand their rights, and are treated fairly and humanely. @motherjones.com www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Immigration detention is inherently inhumane and violent, and this has only been exacerbated under this administration and with the lack of independent oversight mechanisms. We continue to call on elected officials to advocate for humane immigration reform and to end immigration detention.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This report was published just days before a private prison company signed a contract with ICE to operate a new detention center in AZ. Based on everything in this report and everything our clients have reported to us for years, we are staunchly opposed to any expansion of ICE detention.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

With essentially no oversight, it is nearly impossible for individuals in detention to get any assistance for urgent issues like medical neglect or abuse. As a result, ICE and CoreCivic have been allowed to operate with impunity and with no consequences or accountability.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

We are proud to amplify the voices of detained immigrants in our most recent detention conditions report: “A Place of Repression and Torture for Immigrants.” firrp.org/wp-content/u...

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Not only is ICE continuing to detain people in inhumane conditions and causing violence in our communities, but they are also failing to treat people with basic human dignity, including blocking people from communicating with their loved ones during medical treatment or emergencies.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

UPDATE! 📢 Asylum interview has been moved up to the first week of October.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Our Children's Team is seeking an in-person Chuj interpreter in the Phoenix area for an asylum interview the third week of October. If you are available or know someone who may be able to assist, please contact us at ctoroperez@firrp.org. We would greatly appreciate any referrals or connections.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Join the movement for immigrants’ rights and apply for a job with the Florence Project today! Learn more and apply at www.firrp.org/getinvolved/jobs

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

There are a lot of unanswered questions about what this will look like, but we are very concerned. For 35+ years, we have documented mistreatment and abuse in ICE detention, and we are staunchly opposed to expansion of these facilities or ICE detention anywhere. www.azcentral.com/picture-gall...

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Her lawyer submitted documentation explaining why Raquel’s postpartum complications qualified as an “exceptional circumstance” warranting a reschedule, but we have not heard back.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Raquel was forced to choose between protecting the health of her family and caring for her newborn or attending her asylum interview.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

On September 1, Raquel’s lawyer went to the asylum office on her behalf to explain the situation and was shocked to learn that the request to reschedule was denied, and they were saying that Raquel had failed to appear, despite numerous communications about her health situation.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Her medical provider documented that Raquel would need six weeks of recovery, meaning she would not be able to attend her USCIS interview. Again, we followed up with USCIS to request a reschedule, but we did not hear back.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Raquel gave birth to her baby early on August 15th, and they both experienced serious medical complications. Her baby had to be hospitalized after birth, and Raquel experienced pain that did not allow her to stand, walk, or even sit for long periods of time.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

As a child, Raquel* fled abuse in Guatemala and came to the U.S. seeking asylum. She was scheduled for an asylum interview on September 1st, but her Florence Project legal team immediately requested a reschedule because Raquel was pregnant and was due to give birth just a week before. 🧵 *Pseudonym

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

For years, Angela endured trafficking and unimaginable violence before finding the courage to escape. Her journey to safety took her across multiple countries and through months of hardship, but with support from the Florence Project, she was ultimately granted asylum.

Florence Project client Angela*, in a white suit, leans toward a pink rose and smells the flower in a garden bed filled with blooming roses. A lawn and building are visible in the background.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

“The Florence Project is not just getting people out of detention. They are allowing people to be people,” shares our client Angela*, reflecting on her experience with the Florence Project. “They are transforming lives.”

Florence Project client, Angela*, sits on a blanket in a grassy garden, wearing a white suit, with hands clasped around bent knees. Flowering plants and a large building appear softly blurred in the background.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

“For over a decade advocating for vulnerable immigrant children, I've seen policies shift and debates intensify. But nothing prepared me for what we're witnessing right now,” writes Roxana Avila-Cimpeanu, Florence Project Deputy Director, for @msnowreports.bsky.social

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

We are prepared to continue representing the children we have made that commitment to and to do as much as we can for as long as we can to stand with unaccompanied children in Arizona facing deportation, but we need your help raising awareness of these injustices.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

A month ago, the Trump Administration cut off funding for unaccompanied kids’ legal representation, meaning over 20,000 children could be left to navigate one of the world's most complex legal systems alone — against trained government attorneys, in a language they may not speak.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

One year ago, our team was jumping into action to prevent the illegal deportation of Guatemalan children in immigration detention in Arizona. This was a serious escalation of the government's attacks on vulnerable children, and they haven't stopped since.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

We are prepared to continue representing the children we have made that commitment to and to do as much as we can for as long as we can to stand with unaccompanied children in AZ facing deportation but we need your help telling Congress to protect #UnaccompaniedChildren ➡️ tinyurl.com/protect-kids

Blue-toned closing graphic reading, “Here’s how you can help protect unaccompanied children,” with contact information for Congress, a donation link, and a pink teddy bear illustration.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Over 20,000 children could be left to navigate one of the world's most complex legal systems alone — against trained government attorneys, in a language they may not speak.

Illustration of a child beside text explaining that another immigrant child in Texas was left without a lawyer after a nonprofit could no longer provide representation.

Illustration of a baby stroller alongside text describing a one-year-old baby appearing in immigration court without an attorney after legal aid funding was cut.

Illustration of a child sitting alone and hugging their knees beside text explaining that unaccompanied children often arrive in the U.S. after abuse or persecution and face immigration proceedings without legal representation.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Unaccompanied children are our neighbors, classmates, and friends. Yet thousands of them have lost access to legal representation because the Trump administration ended a contract with the nonprofit network that has defended them for over two decades.

Illustration of children’s legs sitting in chairs above text reading, “A month ago, the Trump administration cut off funding for unaccompanied kids’ legal teams. This is what has happened since.”

Illustration of a diverse group of children beneath text explaining that the administration ended a contract with the nonprofit network representing unaccompanied immigrant children.

Illustration of a worried child behind a chain-link fence alongside text about attorneys being laid off and the effects of losing legal representation for children.

Illustration of a young child with text describing a Los Angeles child appearing alone in court after a U.S. immigration attorney asked to withdraw from the case

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

@azcir.org reports that Dima is one of at least 120 immigrants whom ICE continued to detain in Arizona after judges barred deportation to their home countries while the government tried to arrange their deportation to a different country, where they had never been or had no ties to.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

“When I arrived in the United States, the hope was to live peacefully, without being afraid...But the reality is another thing,” our client, Celestin Dima told @azcir.org recently.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please visit firrp.org/wills/. Your support ensures that the Florence Project can continue standing beside immigrants and families for decades to come, regardless of changes in policies, funding priorities, or economic conditions.

firrp.org

Wills and Estate Plans | Florence Project

Wills and Trusts/Estate Plans The Future of Immigration is in Your Hands You can make a gift that will strengthen the future of the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project and protect our mission ...

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

At a time when the immigration landscape is changing rapidly and federal funding for legal services has been terminated, legacy gifts are more important than ever. August is Make-A-Will Month, a time to reflect on the legacy we hope to leave behind and the values we want to carry forward.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

If you want to support kids like this and help ensure that no kids face immigration proceedings alone, consider making a donation to support the Florence Project today or volunteering as a pro bono attorney. Thank you for standing with immigrant children.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

As funding for immigrant legal services becomes increasingly uncertain, legacy gifts help ensure the Florence Project can continue standing beside immigrants and families for generations to come.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

August is Make-A-Will Month. When Judith* (pictured with her husband) arrived in the U.S. as a teen, she was alone and facing an uncertain future. With support from the Florence Project, she was able to secure legal protection and build a safer, more stable life, and even find love.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

These are children who, for some reason or another, have arrived alone in the U.S. and who our government has an obligation to protect. Part of that protection is ensuring that they have independent legal counsel to explain their rights to them, represent them, and help them apply for relief.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

There are 24,000 kids in the U.S. who don’t have a parent or legal guardian and who don’t have any legal status in the country. About 1,800 of them are currently in federal custody.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Every child deserves someone who can explain the process, protect their rights, and stand beside them in court. As attorneys, we show up for these kids every day. We are asking you to show up too. Tell Congress to protect #UnaccompaniedChildren ➡️ tinyurl.com/protect-kids

Illustration of a young girl sitting with her knees pulled to her chest and holding a paper. Text tells the story of 12-year-old Sofia, who fled years of labor trafficking and exploitation and is seeking legal protection in the U.S. It warns that without an experienced attorney, she may face deportation.

Illustration of a crying child looking out the window of a vehicle. Text states that fewer than 1% of immigrant children without legal representation win the right to stay in the country and emphasizes the importance of independent, experienced legal counsel.

Blue textured graphic with an envelope, heart, and pink teddy bear. Text encourages people to help protect unaccompanied children by contacting members of Congress and donating to support the network of lawyers defending children.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Many unaccompanied children arrived in the U.S. after surviving trafficking, abuse, and violence. Now, they could lose the attorneys they know and trust because the Trump admin would rather award a contract to his friends over the nonprofit network that has defended these kids for over 2 decades.

Illustration of a worried child standing behind a chain-link fence. Text reads, “Thousands of children are losing their lawyers, as the Trump admin is pushing to deport them. Here’s what you need to know.”

Grid of illustrated children with worried expressions. Text explains that thousands of unaccompanied children are losing their lawyers after the administration ended a contract with a nonprofit network of attorneys that had represented them for more than two decades.

Illustration showing the lower halves of children seated in chairs. Text explains that unaccompanied children often arrive in the U.S. fleeing violence, trafficking, abuse, or persecution and may qualify for legal protections. It states that without legal representation, fewer than 1% win the right to stay in the country.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

"We definitely have heard of things getting worse since the Trump admin, especially within the last year and a half, such as like abuse by guards and medical neglect and food. But in general, immigration detention is inherently violent. Like there's not a way to make immigration detention humane.”

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

AC that blows dust that causes respiratory infections and chest coughs, drinking water that causes stomach illness and diarrhea, and sometimes frozen and raw food, are among the inhumane conditions at Eloy Detention Center, all listed in a letter signed by 120 people currently detained there.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We will continue to represent our clients, provide free legal orientations, and protect the rights of immigrant kids in every way that we can, for as long as we can.

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Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project @florenceproject.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

This bill would ensure legal representation for everyone facing deportation, including children, so that everyone has a real chance at fairness, safety, and freedom. #URep #UniversalRepresentation

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