Spokane nonprofit sees surge in demand for immigrant legal aid amid increased arrests and deportations

SPOKANE, Wash. — A local nonprofit says its immigrant legal aid program is overwhelmed with demand as fears of deportations and increased immigration enforcement drive requests for legal services.

Manzanita House, an organization that supports Spokane’s immigrant and refugee communities, said it is being contacted about its immigrant legal aid program so frequently that it is having to refer people to other programs or turn them away entirely.

Samuel Smith, director of immigrant legal aid at Manzanita House, said the demand extends beyond those facing immediate deportation threats.

“That’s only counting the individuals who are directly threatened from immigration enforcement from being removed from the United States,” Smith said. “We’re still seeing greatly increased interest, demand, requests for services from the former refugee population.”

Smith said the threat of mass deportations and ICE raids have led to growing concerns even among immigrants with more stable immigration status. ICE check-ins have become more common and people are requesting legal representation for those appointments.

The nonprofit has received an encouraging response from the legal community. Smith said more than 10 attorneys have already contacted the organization expressing interest in volunteering.

“Just from us doing some outreach through social media, our newsletter and personal connections, we have over 10 attorneys who have already contacted us and said ‘We’re interested, we want to do this,'” Smith said. “Honestly, at least for right now, I want to make sure we’re honoring people’s time and commitment.”

Smith said the organization wants to be thoughtful in its approach to expanding services despite the urgent need.

“The need is great and it feels really urgent, but the worst thing we could do is rush into something,” Smith said.

Manzanita House is looking for anyone with a bar license who is willing to help provide legal services to immigrants in the community. Smith said the goal is to ensure volunteers’ time and commitment are used effectively while meeting the growing demand for immigration legal assistance.

For more information about Manzanita House, visit www.manzanitahousespokane.org.