MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND)

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

‘It’s like they’re hunting’: US citizens and legal residents report increase in racial profiling by ICE Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has led some people to take drastic measures to ensure their safety

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.

Speaking to The Texas Tribune, MALDEF President Thomas Saenz underscored how attempts to add a citizenship question or exclude non-citizens from the census could undermine Latino representation and deepen mistrust of the Census in immigrant communities. www.maldef.org/rauk

Latinos continue to face challenges accessing credit compared to other consumers. The CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)’s proposed rule would make it even harder for them to access credit and build their financial futures. Read the letter here: www.maldef.org/c151

MALDEF filed formal comments urging the Social Security Administration to rescind its November 2025 System of Records Notice. The policy unlawfully allows DHS to access flawed SSA citizenship data for voter registration audits. www.maldef.org/wpzm

Thomas Saenz, MALDEF President & General Counsel, joined the webinar Worker Protections, Civil Rights, and Health Equity: Understanding Challenges and Advancing Justice to discuss advancing civil rights and protections for all workers. Watch here: www.maldef.org/oqm9

This award celebrates lawyers who dedicate their careers to promoting a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession. Hector’s tireless work as a public interest lawyer and civil rights advocate makes him truly deserving of this recognition.

⚖️ This new law ensures that immigrants seeking justice in the state courts can safely attend proceedings without fear of harassment, detention, or deportation. MALDEF, along with a coalition of more than 80 organizations, advocated for its enactment. www.maldef.org/7k5p

Throughout the program, participants developed a collaborative project focused on increasing parent involvement at their school. PSP provides the info & tools parents need to become advocates in public education to improve schools and their communities. www.maldef.org/bgfc

The fight will continue even after the Supreme Court’s decision allowing Texas’s racially gerrymandered maps to stand for 2026. MALDEF VP of litigation discusses what comes next.