Immigration lawyers may have been placed under scrutiny by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as the organization Al Otro Lado prepares legal action to demand answers about a recently discovered “watchlist.” The list, found on a public-facing ICE webpage, reportedly includes the names of attorneys who represent immigrants in legal proceedings.
ICE Website Listed Immigration Attorneys
Arlene Amarante, founder of the immigrant advocacy group Adelante Knox, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, discovered the list while navigating the ERO e-file site, part of ICE’s Operations and Enforcement Directorate. According to Amarante, the list primarily included the names of Hispanic, Asian, and Black attorneys. She immediately took screenshots, sharing them with Al Otro Lado, also an immigrant advocacy organization headquartered in San Diego, California.
As of now, both organizations are unaware of the purpose behind the publicly displayed list, which was labeled “watchlist.” Amarante stated that even the possibility of being on such a list has a “strong, psychological” effect on attorneys, given past threats and efforts to criminalize those who aid immigrants.
Legal Challenge Planned
Andrew Fels, an attorney with Al Otro Lado, initially sent a request to ICE for clarification regarding the list. ICE responded by requesting a more specific inquiry. To expedite the process, Al Otro Lado intends to file a lawsuit compelling the government to explain the nature and purpose of the “watchlist” and why it contained personal data of attorneys.
Fels referenced a 2019 NBC News report revealing a Trump administration “watchlist” of at least 56 lawyers, activists, and journalists focused on immigration. Nicole Ramos, now the Executive Director of Al Otro Lado, was among those listed and reported experiencing “harassment” from federal immigration officials as a result.
The 2019 list included detailed information about those listed, including vehicle information. Fels suggested the current situation may be a repeat of those tactics. “Ciertamente, la última lista de vigilancia provocó acoso a los abogados e interferencia en la relación abogado-cliente. No veo ninguna razón por la que esto sea diferente,” he stated.
Amarante expressed concern that being on the list could jeopardize her ability to effectively represent clients. She noted that her organization has already begun to limit the number of cases it takes on, focusing more on educating individuals about their rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Otro Lado doing about the list?
Al Otro Lado is preparing to file a lawsuit against the government to compel ICE to explain the purpose of the “watchlist” and why it included the names of immigration attorneys.
Has this happened before?
Yes, a similar “watchlist” was revealed in 2019 by NBC News, containing the names of at least 56 lawyers, activists, and journalists involved in immigration advocacy.
What are the potential consequences of being on the list?
According to those involved, being on such a list could lead to harassment, intimidation, and interference with the attorney-client relationship, potentially discouraging legal representation for immigrants.
Given the sensitive nature of this situation and the potential for further action, what level of transparency should government agencies maintain regarding their data collection and monitoring practices?
