The Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund is pleased to announce the appointment of our new FUTURO Coordinator, Ms. Melanie Lopez-Gonzalez.

As news reports indicate, Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ, is currently the site of intensive protests and legal clashes following allegations of inhumane treatment of ICE detainees. While NJSP and Newark PD work to keep the area secure, everyone who shares in the mission of LALDEF is urged to communicate within our communities that we must stay peaceful.

Recently, LALDEF had the opportunity to ask our board members a simple but powerful question: what does leadership mean to you? The insights shared speak to the very heart of our organization, illuminating the guiding principles which have defined our efforts for over 20 years

For more than 20 years, the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) has served as Mercer County’s primary resource hub for low-income immigrants - and for the last five years, it has done so under a period of significant growth and renewed vision. In April 2021, Ms. Cecy Jimenez-Weeast officially joined the LALDEF team as our Executive Director.

Spring is here ... encouraging growth everywhere we look! Do you know someone who has been hesitant to apply for United States citizenship? Do you know that the staff and…

To our LALDEF community, 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…

Happy Holidays! As 2025 comes to a close, the LALDEF team has been reflecting on the milestones and meaningful moments that have made this year so memorable. One of our…

Happy Thanksgiving This special holiday is a heartfelt reminder that the greatest gift we can give is a seat at the table. As LALDEF serves New Americans on their pathway…

This month and every month, LALDEF is proud to celebrate the tremendous contributions of our Latino community.

LALDEF is pleased to announce that Veronica Yales has been appointed as LALDEF’s newest Legal Services Coordinator.