Greater Boston Legal Services

Congrats to James “Mac” McCreight, retired GBLS Lead Attorney & Access to Justice Fellow, on receiving the BBA’s Mary K. Ryan Achievement in Pro Bono Award for his exemplary commitment to expanding access to justice. Learn more: bostonbar.org/annual-event...

Lawsuit aims to stop taxpayer information sharing with ICE Immigrants without legal status paid nearly $650 million in Massachusetts’ state and local taxes in 2022. Advocates question if ICE actions have contributed to fewer immigrants applying for taxpayer n...

“It is a shocking revelation that the Social Security Administration has also agreed to send private taxpayer data to ICE… We had to file this case to remind both agencies that our confidentiality laws apply to them both and that their sharing is unlawful.” www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...

With the government shutdown, here’s what we know so far:
- October SNAP benefits will be paid as normal; Nov updates to come.
- Cash benefits (TAFDC, EAEDC) not impacted.
- DTA offices open, applications & cases continue.

Updates/FAQ will be posted on DTA’s site: www.mass.gov/info-details...

Taxpayer and Immigrant Advocates Sue ICE, IRS, and Social Security Administration to Stop Information Sharing Taxpayer and immigrants’ rights advocates today filed a lawsuit asking for a block of the receipt and use of tax-related data by ICE, IRS, and SSA.

Today GBLS, Asian Law Caucus, and Keker, Van Nest, & Peters LLP filed a lawsuit asking for a block of the receipt and use of tax-related data by Immigration and Customs Enforcement from both the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration. www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resourc...

Congrats to our Children's Disability Project's long-time pro bono partner Proskauer Rose, very deservedly to be honored with a 2025 Adams Pro Bono Publico Award from the SJC Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services, along with other 2025 awardees, on 10/28/2025! www.mass.gov/news/supreme...

Leominster family says ICE agents held their daughter outside their home so they would turn themselves over - The Boston Globe “Is that your daughter? Come here so I can see those IDs,” an agent tells the father, waving at him to come out of the house, according to video the family recorded.

"People who were not a priority of federal immigration officials, such as those with active applications pending or court dates scheduled, are being arrested, said Maggie Morgan, managing atty of GBLS’ immigration unit. 'This is heightening people’s fears.'" www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/23/m...

It was truly harrowing and moving to hear Hernan’s wife and cousin speak about what happened and how much this community means to them. Grateful to Luce Hotline www.lucemass.org and for @bostonlegalaid.bsky.social for organizing this rally and for all they do to protect our neighbors. 2/🧵

'Masked, menacing' DHS agents abducted Somerville man, state rep. says Three people in Somerville have been detained by ICE this week, according to reports and state Rep. Mike Connolly.

Annery Miranda, GBLS immigration attorney: “[W]e are fighting to protect [Luiz's] constitutional rights as it relates to his detention in federal court.” www.boston.com/news/local-n...

'Put the anger aside' pleads wife of man detained by ICE agents Two days after federal agents smashed the window of a pickup truck and detained a Massachusetts man, his wife pleaded for compassion.

www.wcvb.com/article/mald...

Malden woman pleads for return of husband taken by ICE on way to work - The Boston Globe The alleged details of the arrest come amid an ongoing surge of immigration enforcement.

GBLS atty Leslie Perlerla Gonzalez: “[E]veryone in this country has a reason to be angry, but I would like everyone to put the anger aside and tap into the part that loves their family and their dogs and humanity and all of the good things,” www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/19/m...

ICE breaks truck window to arrest husband with pending visa petition—Wife ICE agents shattered a man's car window during an arrest attempt after he "refused to comply," the agency said.

More coverage of our colleague's husband being violently detained by ICE this week, from @newsweek.com. www.newsweek.com/ice-breaks-t...

Nuevos detalles de hombre arrestado por ICE en Malden La esposa de Edgar Hernán Escobar denuncia violación de derechos humanos tras el arresto de su esposo por parte de ICE.

"“Estoy preocupada porque no sé qué pueda pasar cuando no hay cámaras, cuando no estoy ahí”, expresó Leslie."

www.telemundonuevainglaterra.com/noticias/loc...

Surveillance video shows ICE agents shatter truck window to arrest Malden man A Massachusetts woman fought back tears as she described to NewsCenter 5 how her husband was detained by ICE agents while on his way to work.

More coverage of our colleague's husband being taken by ICE: "In normal times .... people do not get violently seized in their car when they have a pending [family-based immigration] petition like this," [GBLS immigration Managing Attorney Maggie] Morgan said. www.wcvb.com/article/surv...

Husband of local attorney detained by ICE in window shattering incident Wife says Elias Escobar was injured during the arrest and didn't receive proper medical attention.

Perlera Gonzalez got to the scene minutes later and saw Elias Escobar had been sideswiped by an unmarked car. He was still seated and had a “taser pointed at his face,” as masked individuals kept her away from him.

www.wgbh.org/news/local/2... @gbhnews.bsky.social @bostonlegalaid.bsky.social

Husband of local attorney detained by ICE in window shattering incident Wife says Elias Escobar was injured during the arrest and didn't receive proper medical attention.

“They kept telling me, ’Your husband is unlawfully here,’” [GBLS attorney Leslie] Perlera Gonzalez said. “I told them that I am a U.S. citizen, that I’m an attorney, that the process for him to stay was underway. They kept saying, ‘He’s not lawfully here.’” www.wgbh.org/news/local/2...

With so much fear and divisiveness these days, this Interfaith Day of Action was especially inspiring! Thanks to Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, @justice4housing.bsky.social, Urban League of Eastern MA, and @bostonlegalaid.bsky.social for your leadership!
tinyurl.com/JoinCleanSla...

Let's show legislators the incredible momentum and support that we have for the Lift Our Kids vision! RSVP for the rally here: bit.ly/LOKRally #LiftOurKids

Greater Boston Legal Services😀: www.gbls.org

Greater Boston Tenants Union: bostontenantsunion.org

Office of Housing Stability: www.boston.gov/.../housing/...

Renters band together to protect their rights - The Boston Globe Tenant support organizations help navigate the system when apartments aren’t up to snuff.

Know your rights! Here, GBLS Housing Managing Atty Hed Ehrlich & fellow housing advocates share resources/info for MA tenants, including MLRI's Tenants' Rights in Massachusetts guide: www.masslegalhelp.org/.../tenants..... See more in the comments.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/10/r...

Local Event: Tax Problem Resolution Day with the IRS and MA DOR Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

Do you have tax problems? GBLS' Low Income Taxpayer Clinic invites you to Problem Resolution Day w/the IRS & DOR. More info: taxbenefits-help@gbls.org
WHEN: Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 12:30-6 PM
WHERE: Roslindale Branch of the Boston Public Library, 4246 Washington St, Boston
patch.com/massachusett...

" 'This lawsuit was brought on behalf of immigrant taxpayers but the broader issue at stake is everyone’s right to privacy,' said Luz Arévalo, senior attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services. '[T]his breach of trust...will end up hurting everyone.'"
www.asianlawcaucus.org/news-resourc...

A judge has been watching the MBTA on behalf of riders with disabilities. That is about to change. - The Boston Globe In 2006, a settlement agreement required the MBTA to make bus and subway more accessible. A citizens group will soon take the lead in monitoring the system.

Joanne Daniels-Finegold, lead plaintiff in the 2006 T accessibility case & GBLS Board member, is cautiously optimistic about the new changes: “There’s been too much work by all of us plaintiffs for it to go to waste.” www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/01/m... via @bostonglobe.com

Greater Boston Legal Services Celebrates 125 Years - Boston Bar Association By Jacquelynne Bowman, Ana Cruz, David Kluft, and Lauren Shryne This year marks the 125th anniversary of Greater Boston Legal Services (“GBLS”), which

I was delighted to collaborate on this article about the 125-year history of Greater Boston Legal Services (@bostonlegalaid.bsky.social) My co-authors were Jacquelynne Bowman, Ana Cruz and Lauren Shryne. Thanks @bostonbar.bsky.social journal for publishing.

bostonbar.org/journal/grea...

Upcoming @lcprobono.bsky.social webinar: Nonprofit Advocacy, Lobbying and Political Activity: What’s OK and What’s Not? (Virtual)
10/15 @ 12-1pm
More info and to register: lawyersclearinghouse.org/event/nonpro...

Public Interest Leadership Program Class of 2025 - Boston Bar Association Each year, the Boston Bar Association’s Public Interest Leadership Program welcomes a select group of talented and highly-motivated lawyers to participate

Congrats Kristen Bor-Zale, GBLS Consumer Rights Unit Staff Attorney, chosen for the @bostonbar.bsky.social 2025-2026 Public Interest Leadership Program class! Kristen is one of "[a] select group of talented and highly-motivated lawyers" chosen for the year-long program. bostonbar.org/new-lawyers-...

Recent law eliminates rental broker fees in Boston, offering some relief to tenants - The Scope Boston renters are no longer responsible for paying broker fees thanks to a new state law that may make moving more affordable amid the city’s pressing housing crisis.  Prior to Aug. 1, when the law t...

GBLS consumer rights unit senior attorney Todd Kaplan: “Lawmakers moved on this very quickly, [which] shows that politicians are paying attention to this problem. . . . [I]t shows that the housing crisis is real and tenants are being listened to.” thescopeboston.org/9947/housing...

Hall of Fame - Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly The Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame recognizes lawyers who have been practicing for 30 years or more.

Congrats Nancy Kelly, co-director of the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic at GBLS, along with GBLS Board member John Carroll, selected for the 2025 Mass. Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame! They’ll be honored on 9/16/25 with the other 2025 Hall of Fame honorees.
masslawyersweekly.com/event/massac...

bold yellow & purple graphic, Clean Slate MA logo, 1-minute Action Alert

The MA Senate Judiciary Comm advanced both Clean Slate bills to Senate Ways & Mean, and now we NEED YOUR HELP!
Please take 1 min to click to help-->
actionnetwork.org/letters/time...

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