Portland‑based Innovation Law Lab announced Thursday that it has voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit it filed on behalf of CLEAR Clinic, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, and an individual identified as Leon X. The case sought a court order requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field offices in Oregon to provide “meaningful” access for attorneys meeting detained clients.
Judge’s ruling and reasons for dismissal
U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction in October, finding the evidence did not show that ICE officers were pressuring detainees to waive important rights. The judge also noted a lack of testimony from anyone actually detained at an ICE field office, weakening the claim that access was being systematically blocked.
Judge Aiken wrote that the lawsuit effectively asked the court to set operating hours for all three Oregon ICE field offices – in Eugene, Medford and Portland – including weekend and holiday service and extended hours until 8 p.m. each night. She characterized that request as a mandatory injunction, which requires a higher burden of proof than the plaintiffs presented.
Attorney access today
According to the court’s findings, attorneys have been able to access clients at the field offices, though not to the extent or at the times the plaintiffs desired. The judge emphasized that while access exists, it is limited by the facilities’ design, which are not intended to hold detainees for more than 12 hours.
“The record shows that attorneys have been able to access clients, though not to the degree or for the length of time that they wish, nor at all hours that Plaintiffs wishes,” Judge Aiken wrote.
Reaction from CLEAR Clinic
Leni Tupper, executive director of CLEAR Clinic, said the dismissal was disappointing but stressed that the lawsuit succeeded in highlighting systemic barriers ICE creates for the community. “This case has brought to light how ICE routinely denies detained Oregonians their right to counsel. Documenting these unlawful practices creates an evidentiary foundation that we will continue to build on in our fight for due process for all,” Tupper said in a statement to Lookout Eugene‑Springfield.
Tupper added that the organization remains committed to advocating for due process and will pursue other legal avenues to ensure detainees receive full access to counsel.
What this means for the community
The dismissal does not close the door on future challenges to ICE practices in Oregon. Advocacy groups say the decision underscores the need for continued monitoring of how ICE field offices operate and how attorneys can effectively represent detained individuals.
For now, families and community members can expect that attorneys will continue to meet with clients at the three field offices, but they may still face scheduling constraints and limited hours. Stakeholders are urging ICE to consider expanding access voluntarily, especially on weekends and holidays, to better serve the needs of detained Oregonians and their families.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
