Media Contact

Steve Kilar, 602-773-6007, media@acluaz.org

April 24, 2018

Victims can meet with attorneys and file compensation applications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX—On Saturday, April 28, 2018, attorneys from the ACLU of Arizona and Los Abogados will offer their third compensation clinic for people the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) stopped or held in violation of an immigration-related court order.

People the MCSO stopped or held between December 23, 2011, and May 24, 2013, in violation of the preliminary injunction in Ortega Melendres v. Penzone (previously Ortega Melendres v. Arpaio) may apply to participate in the court-ordered compensation program. The preliminary injunction prohibited MCSO deputies from detaining a person solely on the basis that MCSO personnel believed the person was in the U.S. without authorization.

The ACLU of Arizona and Los Abogados will offer the clinic at the Center for Neighborhood Leadership. People who believe they may be eligible for compensation can speak to a lawyer and fill out an application.

WHAT: MCSO Immigration Stops and Detention Compensation Fund Clinic – Victims of MCSO’s preliminary injunction violations will be able to meet with attorneys and fill out compensation applications.

WHEN: Saturday, April 28, 2018, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Training for attorneys who are interested in helping assist victims with compensation applications will take place from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.)

WHERE: Center for Neighborhood Leadership, 5877 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85031

WHO: Hosted by the ACLU of Arizona, Los Abogados, and the Center for Neighborhood Leadership. Anyone who believes they may have been detained in violation of the Ortega Melendres preliminary injunction is welcome to attend and speak to an attorney. To be eligible for compensation the applicant must, at a minimum, have been stopped or detained by MCSO between December 23, 2011, and May 24, 2013.

Applications will be accepted until December 3, 2018. More information about the compensation program is available on the program website, which is in English and Spanish. The program’s toll-free number (1-844-500-6327) is open, and English-speaking and Spanish speaking agents will be available to assist callers during business hours.

Claimants will be awarded a base amount of $500 if they were stopped and held by MCSO in violation of the preliminary injunction for longer than 20 minutes. Claimants will be awarded $35 for each additional 20 minutes of detention after the first hour. Claimants may also be eligible for additional compensation for physical harm or emotional distress, medical bills, lost property, lost wages, and other injuries that resulted from the unlawful detention.

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