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Commissioners OK amendment to immigrant-legal defense contract after debate on scope
Summary
The court approved an amendment to the American Gateways contract for immigrant legal defense, removing a prior "universal representation" provision to allow targeted screening (prioritizing cases with greatest community benefit, such as detained children and family-unity matters); the decision followed extended debate about whether taxpayer funds could underwrite defense for noncitizen violent offenders.
Bexar County approved an amendment to its contract with American Gateways to continue immigrant legal-defense services, a move that prompted an extended debate on the scope of representation and priorities for county-funded assistance.
County staff described the amendment as an administrative update that removes a previously included "universal representation" clause in order to allow the contractor to prioritize cases that produce the greatest benefit to Bexar County residents, such as cases involving U.S. citizen children, family unity and prevention of homelessness. Managercounsel said removing universal representation permits targeted screening rather than strict first-come, first-served coverage of all eligible callers.
American Gateways representatives said that under the county-funded program they have prioritized detained children and family-unity cases. "We are currently representing six children who are currently in immigration detention," a representative said, noting work to obtain release and reunify families. Another representative described the program's focus on families and children arrested while attending immigration-court proceedings.
Commissioner debate was pointed: some commissioners said they support funding legal representation to prevent family separation and help children; one commissioner argued that taxpayer funds should not be used to defend noncitizen violent offenders and opposed the amendment. The court voted to approve the amendment after the exchange.
What happens next: American Gateways will continue to operate under the amended contract with prioritization consistent with the county-directed eligibility and screening; county staff will continue oversight of scope and implementation.
