Welcome to LALDEF.

Established in 2004, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) promotes the rights of all immigrants (with a focus on the Latin American community in the Mercer County area); facilitates access to health care, education and legal representation; advocates for the integration of immigrants; and fosters inter-cultural communication to strengthen our communities.

We operate through our values of support, education, and justice.

LALDEF offers an array of services in-house and also acts as a conduit referring clients to other agencies. In this work and in our advocacy, the overarching goal is to dismantle barriers that stand in the way of a more fair and just society and to support the incorporation of immigrants in a way that strengthens the social fabric overall.

Know Your Rights

LALDEF is aware of ICE enforcement in our community. We recognize and acknowledge the fear and uncertainty that arises for many, and we have been helping families challenged by immigration issues since 2004. We also stand with those who are bravely defending the rights, safety, and humanity of our region’s immigrant communities.

As enforcement measures increase, there are steps each person can take to keep you, your loved ones, and your neighbors safe. When we stay alert, stay informed, share knowledge and resources, and help with language translation, we are better equipped to continue to move forward as a neighborhood, as a workplace, and as a community.

Know Your Rights discusses the constitutional rights of individuals regardless of immigration status, and how to protect yourself during an encounter with ICE.

Please note that this presentation is not a means to legal advice or should be treated as such.

Legal advice can only be given by a licensed attorney or an accredited DOJ Representative