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2026 Poverty Law Conference
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Family Preparedness in a Time of Mandatory Detention: The State of Habeas Corpus and Litigating Release in Federal Court
Thursday September 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Junior Ballroom
Across Texas, immigrant families face growing risks of detention, creating urgent legal and practical challenges for advocates who support vulnerable communities. Many legal aid and nonprofit practitioners encounter these situations even if immigration law is not their primary area of practice. This session will provide an accessible overview of immigration detention and the role of federal habeas corpus litigation as a tool for challenging unlawful or prolonged detention and securing release from custody.

Panelists will explain how habeas petitions function in the immigration context, highlight recent legal developments, and discuss how detention challenges are currently being litigated in federal courts across Texas. Drawing from their experience coordinating pro bono habeas efforts, presenters will also explore practical considerations for advocates working with families at risk of detention, including ethical issues, cross-practice collaboration, and ways to incorporate detention-related legal planning into broader family preparedness efforts. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of when habeas relief may be available and how legal services organizations and community advocates—even those outside immigration practice—can help support families navigating detention-related crises.

Speakers
RP

Robert Painter

Managing Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council
avatar for Kate Gibson Kumar

Kate Gibson Kumar

Texas Civil Rights Project
ZK

Zainab Khan

Managing Attorney for the Immigration Detention Project, Texas A&M University School of Law Legal Clinic
Zainab Khan serves as the Managing Attorney for the Immigration Detention Project that is funded by Dallas Area Interfaith and housed in the Texas A&M University School of Law Legal Clinic. The Immigration Detention Project helps eligible detainees seek release form immigration detention... Read More →
Thursday September 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Junior Ballroom
  Immigration Law

Attendees (3)


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