Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

ABOUT IMMIGRATION COURT WATCH

COURT WATCH was founded by Sisters Pat Murphy and Joanne Persch of the Sisters of Mercy and Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants.  They were moved by their faith and conscience to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities, especially those who remain in detention, who are often the most vulnerable and invisible.

The OBJECTIVES of the Court Watch Program are to stand in solidarity and serve as a presence in Detained Immigration Court to let those involved in this system know that we are watching and we care about what happens to our immigrant sisters and brothers.  By serving as a public witness we aim to bring transparency to this broken system and educate outside communities about the current conditions of immigrants in detention.  It is our goal that through monitoring and documenting our observations we also support the urgent and imperative need for comprehensive immigration reform.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE COURT WATCH BLOG!

Visit the Blog to read observations and reflections posted by Court Watch volunteers, find the Court Watch volunteer procesures, resources and more!

YOU CAN BECOME A COURT WATCHER!

In order to stand in solidarity for immigrant justice we must provide support, share the voice of immigrants in detention with the public, and let the Department of Justice know that we are watching.  Immigration Detention Court hearings happen on Monday-Thursday from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, and Fridays from 9am-12pm. 

Interested participants should contact Mary Naftzger, Court Watch Volunteer Coordinator, for more information on how to get involved: maryandbob.n@sbcglobal.net  or phone: 773-373-7805.

Immigration Court Watch is a program of the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition,

Sisters of Mercy and Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants 

[1] FY Statistical Year Book, U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review, March 2005