NWIRP is headed to the United States Supreme Court: two weeks ago, the First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court order declaring unlawful the Trump administration’s policy of deporting people to third countries without any meaningful notice or an opportunity to seek protection.
But this victory was short-lived. Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the administration’s request for an emergency stay of the ruling, temporarily allowing the government to resume summarily deporting people to third-countries pending a final judgment by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court then scheduled the case for full review, with expedited briefing and oral arguments in December. Our legal director, Matt Adams, will argue the case for our team. And while NWIRP is proud to be at the forefront of this critical fight, we are anguished by the fact that our clients will now continue to face removal to third-countries around the world.
The case, D.V.D. v. Department of Homeland Security, was brought by the National Immigration Litigation Alliance, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and Human Rights First, on behalf of a nationwide class of noncitizens threatened with Trump’s new policy of third-country removals, i.e., deporting people to countries other than their country of origin, countries that had not previously been identified in their immigration proceedings.
Under the policy, DHS provides no meaningful notice–often people are not told where they will be deported to until they are being physically removed–and similarly are given no meaningful opportunity to assert claims that they may be persecuted or tortured in that third country, even though our laws guarantee that persons will not be removed to any countries where they face deportation or torture. Many of our class members have been deported to third-countries where they have been imprisoned and tortured. Others have been immediately sent from the third-country back to their countries of origin, even though immigration judges granted them protection from being returned to their home countries.
Three times the Supreme Court has now stayed lower court judgments that would otherwise afford basic protections to our class members. But NWIRP and our partners will continue to stand up and fight for the thousands of community members being threatened with third-country removals without any opportunity to present their claims. And in doing so, NWIRP and our partners will continue to fight for basic human decency, access to justice and the rule of law.
While this work is challenging and there are so many community members to fight for, we are appreciative of this community of support and the long-standing partnerships that make this work possible.
Recapping our Wenatchee Solidarity Social
Earlier this month, nearly 100 supporters gathered at Icicle Ridge Winery in Peshastin for NWIRP’s annual Wenatchee Solidarity Social.
The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the people and communities who make our work possible and to learn more about the work of our Wenatchee team.
As community member, and former NWIRP client, Eduardo shared at the event, “because of the work that NWIRP does every day for families and communities like ours… the dream of being together as a family is still alive.”
From providing direct legal services to immigrants and families to expanding community education and outreach, NWIRP’s Wenatchee office plays a vital role in defending immigrant rights across North Central Washington.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for an evening of connection, conversation, and solidarity.
Join Us for An Evening of Justice at Wing Luke
Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 22 and join us at Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum for NWIRP’s Evening of Justice.
This special evening brings together the legal community, supporters, volunteers, and advocates who help make access to justice possible for immigrant communities throughout Washington.
We’ll celebrate the people at the heart of this work, recognize the incredible community supporting NWIRP, and look ahead to the work still to come.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Wing Luke Museum | Seattle
We hope you’ll join us!
Know Your Rights for Small Businesses on October 8, 2026
Join Northwest Immigrant Rights Project for an informative, free webinar to learn how you can support your employees and understand your rights as an employer. Learn about how to support employees in an enforcement action, your rights in the workplace, what to expect during I-9 inspections, and practical information for employers and employees. There will be interpretation available from English to Spanish.
Appeals Court Strikes Down Third-Country Removal Policy
Before yesterday’s USSC ruling, The American Prospect covered the First Circuit’s decision in D.V.D. v. DHS, including comments from NWIRP Legal Director Matt Adams.
U.S. Appeals Court Says Third-Country Deportations Are Unlawful
ABC Radio National spoke with Matt Adams about the First Circuit decision and the experiences of people subjected to third-country removal.
ICE Flights Out of Boeing Field Surge, Alarming Families, Immigrants Rights’ Groups
KUOW examined the increasing number of ICE flights transporting people detained in Washington to facilities around the country, including the impact on access to attorneys and immigration hearings.
Pregnant WA Woman Released After ICE Detained Her at Asylum Interview
Cece Mokua has been released from ICE custody after being detained following what was supposed to be a routine USCIS appointment. Unfortunately, these detentions are becoming more commonplace.
Seven Farmworkers Detained in Upper Yakima Valley, Immigrant Support Group Says
At least seven farmworkers were arrested by federal authorities while they were working Wednesday morning outside of Yakima. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project will provide initial legal counsel to these men.
ICE Arrests Surge in Washington: The Human and Legal Impact
Chino Y Chicano’s Enrique Cerna spoke with executive director Malou Chávez about the impact on community members and those supporting them stemming from the increase in ICE activity and arrests in Washington State.
Watch the Podcast Episode Here
Thank You for Standing With Us
From the courtroom to our offices and communities across Washington, NWIRP continues to stand with community members seeking safety, stability, and justice. Your support makes this work possible.
Whether you volunteer, attend an event, share our resources, or make a gift, you are part of the community helping us defend the rights of immigrants across Washington and beyond.
With gratitude,
Malou Chávez (she/her/ella)
Executive Director
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