Mission Local has compiled a resource guide for those seeking to support immigrant rights in San Francisco. The guide focuses on legal aid, volunteer opportunities, and training and workshops. This guide is critical given Mission Local’s intense coverage of immigration enforcement and the numerous requests for assistance from readers. The need for support in San Francisco is substantial, as evidenced by ICE protests and the arrests of asylum-seekers. The San Francisco Rapid Response Network offers a 24-hour hotline to report ICE activity or detainment. This resource is crucial for the continued effort to support San Francisco’s immigrant community.
Legal Aid Resources in San Francisco
Several organizations provide legal aid to immigrants and their families at reduced costs. These organizations also welcome donations. Mission Action, a nonprofit that began as a small shelter, offers legal support for immigration cases with four attorneys on staff. They lead the San Francisco Rapid Response Network, coordinating with other groups to respond to ICE activity with attorney activation, raid verification, and legal services post-detainment. Their contact information is: 938 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110, Phone: (415) 282-6209 ext. 130, Email: immigration@missionaction.org.
The African Advocacy Network (AANSF) provides legal aid to African and Afro-Caribbean immigrants, partnering with the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative. They employ two attorneys and four Department of Justice accredited representatives, offering services in over 10 languages and providing “know your rights” trainings and immigration benefits workshops. Their address is: 3106 Folsom St. San Francisco, CA 94110, Phone: (415) 234-3380.
CARACEN SF, a long-standing Mission District organization, offers an immigration legal program alongside other social services. Their program includes legal consultation, document processing, legal representation, and “know your rights” education. The program has five attorneys and five paralegals. Their contact information is: 3413 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94110, Phone: (415) 642-4400, Email: info@carecensf.org.
La Raza Centro Legal offers legal aid and defense to undocumented immigrants in San Francisco and San Mateo counties, with five attorneys and four paralegals on staff. Services include legal consultations and referrals. The organization also supports worker and tenant rights and advocates for vulnerable populations. Their contact information: 474 Valencia St., Suite 295 San Francisco, CA 94103, Phone: (415) 575-3500, Email: info@lrcl.org.
The Bar Association of San Francisco’s Attorney of the Day Program places an attorney in San Francisco immigration court to assist those facing deportation. The Bar Association also provides free legal aid to low-income individuals in various legal matters and offers free legal clinics. Their address is: 50 Fremont St., Suite 1700 San Francisco, CA 94105, Phone: (415) 989-1616, Email: larc@sfbar.org.
API Legal Outreach provides immigration services, including asylum, removal defense, and naturalization, focusing on Asian and Pacific Islander clients. They also offer programs for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse. Their address is: 1121 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103, Phone: (415) 567-6255.
The San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network, composed of 12 organizations, represents various immigrant communities and offers free services in over 20 languages. This network partners with Mission Action on the San Francisco Rapid Response Network. Their contact information is: 938 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110, Phone: (415) 282-6209, Email: info@sfilen.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Several organizations offer volunteer opportunities to support immigrant rights. The National Lawyers Guild’s Collaborative Court Watch program trains volunteers to monitor immigration hearings and document due process violations. Faith in Action Bay Area’s Immigration Court Accompaniment program matches volunteers with clients for support during hearings, requiring conversational Spanish. The San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative seeks volunteers for Spanish/English interpretation in immigration court and the asylum office. The Justice & Diversity Center’s Interpreter Project trains volunteers to become legal interpreters, assisting low-income clients. They also offer a Legal Advice and Referral Clinic where volunteers assist with client intake or interpretation.
Trainings and Workshops
The San Francisco Immigrant Legal & Education Network provides workshops on immigrant rights, rapid response efforts, emergency family planning, and more. The National Lawyers Guild, S.F. Bay Area Chapter, offers Know Your Rights trainings for immigrants and community members, covering interactions with ICE and non-citizen/citizen rights.
Background
Mission Local’s reporting on immigration enforcement, particularly under the Trump administration, has prompted numerous inquiries from readers seeking ways to help. To enhance its coverage, Mission Local is seeking funding to hire a full-time immigration reporter.
What’s next
Mission Local is seeking $300,000โ$100,000 annually for three yearsโto fund a full-time immigration reporter. The goal is to continue providing comprehensive and in-depth coverage of immigration enforcement in San Francisco.
- The San Francisco Rapid Response Network provides a 24-hour hotline.
- Many organizations offer legal aid to immigrants and their families at reduced costs and accept donations.
- Various volunteer opportunities exist, including court watching, client accompaniment, and interpretation.
- Several organizations offer workshops on immigrant rights and related topics.
- Mission Local is fundraising to hire a full-time immigration reporter.
[Source](https://missionlocal.org/2025/09/how-can-you-mobilize-for-immigrant-rights-in-s-f-a-resource-guide/)
