@maldef
Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Our commitment is to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the U.S. and the constitutional rights of all Americans.
MALDEF filed a claim against Harbor-UCLA Medical Center after an immigrant patient was chained to a hospital bed, medicated, and questioned by federal agents, while being cut off from family and counsel during his recovery. www.maldef.org/8xk3
A Tennessee bill challenges Plyler v. Doe. Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel, warns it could keep entire communities out of school. Read more: www.maldef.org/c85t
A man who threatened migrants with a gun outside a church and bus station in El Paso has been ordered to pay damages. MALDEF represented the plaintiffs, holding the perpetrator accountable for civil assault and emotional distress. Read more: www.maldef.org/rqw7
The people who brought us Trump 2.0 want to overturn Plyler v. Doe, a landmark Supreme Court decision that guaranteed free K-12 public education to all children. MALDEF fought hard to win that decision. Find out why Project 2025’s plans won’t succeed: www.maldef.org/nlop
Save the Date! ✨ Join MALDEF in Washington, D.C. for our 2026 Gala as we honor champions of civil rights and justice!
📍 The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
📌 Wednesday, April 15, 2026
🎟 Secure your tickets here: www.maldef.org/b9mg
Stay tuned for more details!
Thank you to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute and its president and co-founder, Dr. Juan Andrade, for recognizing MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz with the 2026 Hank Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Medallion in Chicago.
35 years ago today, a lawsuit filed by MALDEF helped make history with the election of the first Latina to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Gloria Molina was a tireless advocate and trailblazer—the first Latina elected to the California State Legislature and the Los Angeles City Council.
MALDEF is demanding answers after the Port Isabel Housing Authority in Texas warned families they could lose their lease if they don’t provide proof of citizenship. Read the letter we sent here: www.maldef.org/8okk
Every family deserves fair housing. MALDEF urged HUD to protect disparate-impact liability under the Fair Housing Act. Policies that appear neutral can still harm Latino and other minority families—this pathway is essential for justice. www.maldef.org/nc16
When the Supreme Court rules on issues that affect Latino civil rights, how much weight should history and tradition carry? MALDEF President Thomas A. Saenz discussed it at Alabama Law’s 2026 Symposium. Learn more: www.maldef.org/me0b
What do you think? Tell us below.
MALDEF urges Congress to vote NO on the SAVE America Act and oppose the MEGA Act.
Voters choose leaders — not the other way around. Read the letter we sent to Congress here: www.maldef.org/jnza
After harmful rulings in Texas and Arkansas, MALDEF is calling on the Supreme Court to protect voters who need assistance due to disability or an inability to read and write English and to restore voters’ right to challenge anti-democratic state laws under the VRA. www.maldef.org/u85v
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manuel L. Martinez, a former MALDEF board member and trailblazing Denver civic leader. A fierce advocate for justice, he dedicated his career to public service and uplifting Latino communities nationwide. Read our statement: www.maldef.org/gcfk
In an interview with The Guardian, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz warned that the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown is fueling racial profiling and raising serious constitutional concerns. Read more: www.maldef.org/elhk
In the Minneapolis-area, immigration enforcement is fueling fear and pushing schools toward short-term responses. MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz warns virtual learning must be temporary. Read more: www.maldef.org/mobc
Why would ICE carry out enforcement in a crowded Texas Walmart parking lot in broad daylight? MALDEF’s Hector Villagra says it’s often because ICE lacks a judicial warrant, which is required to enter a private home. He adds that public arrests like these can put bystanders at risk.
MALDEF President Thomas Saenz is featured in Vol.2 of Latino Leaders Speak from the Latino Leaders Network. In his transcribed speech, Saenz talks about the lessons he learned about standing up to authority and pride in his Latino heritage, as well as how those principles apply to the community now.
The Trump administration shouldn’t get to play tuition cop.
If this policy is eliminated, students could face tuition increases nearly triple their current costs—putting their education at risk after years of hard work and sacrifice.
www.maldef.org/owi2
MALDEF joined a national coalition urging Congress to refuse increased funding for ICE and Border Patrol, demand accountability from DHS, and protect our communities from escalating violence and lawlessness. www.maldef.org/7tgn
MALDEF President Thomas Saenz joined The Raid podcast to discuss the agenda behind Trump’s immigration raids and the ongoing efforts to marginalize Latino communities. He also highlighted MALDEF’s work to protect the civil rights of Latinos across the country. Watch the podcast: www.maldef.org/i053
Amid growing immigration enforcement overreach by the Trump administration, DHS is pushing to expand biometric and DNA collection. MALDEF will continue defending civil rights and holding federal agencies accountable. Read more: www.maldef.org/5xfi
New year. New protections. Transparency isn’t optional—it’s the law. Co-sponsored by MALDEF, the No Secret Police Act (SB 627) bans most law enforcement officers from concealing their identity while on duty in California—strengthening accountability and protecting communities. www.maldef.org/61s3
The program equips parents with the tools to advocate for strong schools and communities. As part of their school improvement project, parents developed a school crosswalk safety plan. www.maldef.org/7x7b
The plan replaces clear, codified standards with "officer discretion" and creates a "regulatory limbo" where families don't know which benefits are safe to use. Vague rules lead to a "chilling effect"—scaring families away from healthcare and food aid. Read more here: www.maldef.org/o8rr
As recipients wait for a court to decide how DACA will move forward, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz spoke with USC Annenberg Media about the fight to reopen DACA for new applicants and protect DACA recipients in Texas and nationwide. Read more: www.maldef.org/8jtm
🎄✨Joy, hope, and justice. This holiday season, MALDEF continues fighting for civil rights and equal opportunity for all. We’re grateful for our community and supporters who stand with us every step of the way.
The program equips parents with the tools to advocate for strong schools and communities. As part of their school improvement project, parents developed a plan to strengthen communication between families and school personnel. www.maldef.org/7x7b
Visit this link to learn more and get the support you need to reach your educational goals: www.maldef.org/qjeb #scholarship #education #resources #collegemoney #maldef
PSP equips parents with the tools to advocate for strong schools and communities. As part of their school improvement project, parents developed a plan to establish the school’s first parent committee, designed to collaborate with school leadership on shared decision-making. www.maldef.org/7x7b
MALDEF’s successful settlement affirms that financial institutions cannot deny credit based solely on immigration status - they must consider creditworthiness. Equal opportunity means equal access—no exceptions.
