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There is currently no organization in Orange County dedicated to providing deportation <br />defense services with any degree of regularity or volume. The limited resources that we <br />have mobilized do not meet the magnitude of the need, heightened in an era of <br />aggressive interior immigration enforcement. Indeed, bed space at the Adelanto and <br />Theo Lacey detention facilities has been expanded to support ICE enforcement actions in <br />Southern California. <br />It is our hope that the inclusion of Santa Ana in the SAFE Cities Network will contribute <br />to the growing momentum in Orange County for universal representation for detained <br />immigrants. Key public and private sector actors have come together in support of this <br />proposed program. In-kind support and matching funds from Vera will push the <br />Initiative into existence. We have excellent service providers in the Southern California <br />region, such as Immigrant Defenders Law Center, who have the track record and ability <br />to provide these services in Orange County in the short term with additional resources. <br />It is our goal that the Orange County Justice Fund and a universal representation pilot <br />program would be established and begin serving detained immigrants within three <br />months. <br />IRC is committed to supporting the Santa Ana program in any way possible. We stand <br />ready to offer mentorship, expertise and guidance in the start-up phase and beyond. <br />Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of us at <br />sashar(&Iaw.uci.edu.949-824-9868, or alaI0Imv.uci.edg 949-824-9896. Thank you for <br />your consideration. <br />Yours truly, m ,, <br />J" -b tom'" ' <br />Sameer M. Ashar, Clinical Professor of Law <br />Annie Lai, Clinical Professor of Law <br />20A-27 <br />