We’re Hiring: Detention Program Staff Attorney

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Staff Attorney in our Detention Program to provide legal information for clients detained at the Aurora Contract Detention Facility. RMIAN’s legal orientation program is a know-your-rights program that seeks to educate and inform individuals detained at the Aurora immigration detention facility about their rights in removal proceedings, court procedures, release options, and relief from removal. The Staff Attorney will screen individual cases for referral to volunteer pro bono counsel as well as to RMIAN direct representation staff attorneys. As part of this process, the Staff Attorney provides necessary support to the entire team by conducting legal analysis on options for relief for potential clients. The Staff Attorney will provide brief advice and pro se assistance to unrepresented individuals who are detained. On occasion, the Staff Attorney will represent detained individuals on a limited-scope basis, including in medical advocacy, release advocacy, and other matters. Additionally, the Staff Attorney will identify and create pro se materials as needed to distribute to individuals detained at the Aurora facility.

This position is meant for an attorney dedicated to equal justice for all – someone who has experience in immigration law, particularly removal defense (and preferably in a detained setting).

The ideal candidate:

• Is an attorney who has a background in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice – this person has experience in immigration law and is passionate about RMIAN’s work and mission.

• Is guided by the principle that all respondents before the immigration court are entitled to counsel and is passionate about explaining a complex legal framework in a digestible manner to individuals not well-versed in the complexities of immigration law. This candidate is excited about educating and empowering pro se individuals and enjoys creative delivery of information.

• Is comfortable working with individuals in a detained setting and excited to provide trauma-informed services to a wide variety of individuals, including individuals living with serious physical and mental disabilities and/or illness and individuals with varying levels of education and literacy.

• Enjoys collaborating with others on a team and feels ready to tackle assignments collectively, and is also able to work independently.

• Understands how to prioritize, enjoys handling multiple assignments running in parallel, and can triage to meet time-sensitive deadlines.

• Is skilled at building rapport with pro se respondents and at building relationships with Detention Program staff and LOP stakeholders. The ideal candidate acts with courtesy, patience and poise, is confident speaking to groups, and is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others.

• Has experience and confidence in speaking to groups.

Responsibilities:

Direct Services

• Conduct individual intakes in person several times a week to provide legal information and brief advice and to screen potential clients for eligibility for relief.

• Perform legal and factual research to determine participants’ legal eligibility and suitability of cases for referral and to create educational materials for pro se individuals representing themselves.

• Support RMIAN’s pro bono efforts to match as many cases as possible with free legal representation, including screening cases, communicating with respondents, and gathering records in support of pro se litigation efforts.

• Under the supervision of the Deputy Managing Attorney, determine how to best support individual pro se respondents in their legal cases when it is not possible to find a volunteer attorney to represent the individual.

• If RMIAN’s request is granted to resume providing in-person know-your-rights presentations to groups at the immigration detention center in Aurora, Colorado, provide several group presentations each week. This may include holding pro se workshops and presenting information in a classroom-style environment.

• Represent a discrete number of clients in limited-scope matters.

Outreach, Community Education, and Development Efforts

• Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.

• Participate in internal initiatives related to community building, committee work, and other activities within RMIAN.

 Required skills and experience:

• Admission to any state bar

• Professional-level English & Spanish fluency – both oral and written

• Deep dedication to immigration legal services, working with individuals in detention, commitment to working with members of marginalized groups, and people with prior history of involvement in the criminal and immigration legal systems.

Location:

This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado, but requires frequent travel to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado. RMIAN’s operations are currently on a hybrid remote/in-person model, requiring at least two days a week of work in RMIAN’s office, or other work-related locations.  For the first three months of employment, working three days a week in the office or the detention facility is required. Additional and/or alternative days in the office or detention facility may be required as needed due to the press of business.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $66,000 to $80,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package which includes:

• Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 Federal holidays, plus, an annual week-long holiday office closure;

• Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Dental & Vision insurance (90% covered by RMIAN);

• Life insurance & professional liability insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Professional development funds and opportunities;

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 4%);

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan; and

• Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment

If this profile calls to you, please send your resume and a short statement that explains why this role is a great fit for you to hr@rmian.org. Please also include a short writing sample and a list of references.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

24 Colorado organizations demand justice for Delvin Francisco Rodriguez

RMIAN and 23 other Colorado organizations (led by Voces Unidas) sent to the members of our Congressional delegation demanding an investigation into and accountability for the death of Delvin Franciso Rodriguez, a Colorado resident from Summit County, who died in ICE detention after being transferred to an ICE detention center in Mississippi.

In Denver courtroom, Trump administration pushes to send asylum seekers to third countries

Immigration attorneys say use of 'pretermission' raises due process concerns for people seeking asylum

Sherman, with the Immigrant Advocacy Network, said the pretermission process raises significant due process concerns.

“If somebody has never been to a country, they really deserve some time to learn about that country and figure out if they think they would be safe there and to be able to come up with those arguments,” Sherman said. “This is concerning in all cases, but when somebody has an attorney, we’re able to at least give them a fighting chance, and we have won several oppositions to these motions.

“But most people don’t have lawyers,” she said. “We meet with as many of those people as we can to advise them of their rights, and we’ve met with several who were just blindsided by this.”

Amid ICE protests and nationwide strike, businesses donate to Colorado immigrant rights groups

“Our lawyers and our social workers are on the front lines every day, fighting for justice, ensuring that kids are not forced to represent themselves in immigration court,” said Mekela Goehring, executive director at RMIAN.

Goehring says while donations from small businesses were not finalized by Friday night, the organization received more than $18,000 from more than 100 new community donors on Friday alone.

“This has been a powerful day and just an amazing showing of support at a time in which things have felt certainly quite dark,” Goehring said. “Proud to be a Coloradan today.”

RMIAN outraged by violent attacks on our communities—No funds for ICE and Border Patrol

RMIAN joined 1,025 organizations in expressing our horror, outrage and deep grief about the continued violent attacks on our immigrant communities and communities of color, as well as their many allies and supporters. “We demand an immediate halt in all funding for these deadly operations until the violence, abuses, and deaths in American communities and in immigration detention centers stop. Congress must refuse to provide one dollar to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol through the appropriations process and immediately take action to revoke the tens of billions already given through last summer’s reconciliation bill.”

We’re Hiring: Development & Communications Coordinator

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Development and Communications Coordinator. The Development and Communications Coordinator will play a vital role in advancing RMIAN’s mission by supporting fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, events, and external communications. Working closely with and reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, the Coordinator will help to strengthen RMIAN’s visibility, expand its donor base, and engage supporters through compelling storytelling and well-coordinated events.

The position is ideal for a detail-oriented, organized, and creative professional who is passionate about immigrant justice and eager to grow in the nonprofit development and communications fields.

Key Responsibilities

Development:

• Maintain and update donor database, Donor Perfect, ensuring accurate and timely gift entry, acknowledgments, and donor records. 

• Assist in donor stewardship, including preparing thank-you letters, impact reports, and other donor communications. 

• Manage grant research, tracking, and implementation. 

• Write grants under $50,000. 

• Coordinate logistics for donor cultivation and fundraising events. 

• Generate reports and lists from the database for campaigns, appeals, and events. 

Communications:

• Assist with all communications supporting development efforts.   

• Draft and edit content for newsletters, social media, website, and other communications channels. 

• Lead development of print and digital fundraising materials, including appeals and annual reports. 

• Update RMIAN’s website, ensuring timely updates and accurate information. 

• Monitor media coverage and support media relations efforts. 

• Work closely with contractors to create graphics, visuals, and other digital content to engage supporters and increase visibility. 

Events & Campaigns:

• Provide logistical and administrative support for fundraising and community events. 

• Assist with annual fundraising campaigns (e.g., Colorado Gives Day, year-end giving). 

• Lead event promotion and communications to maximize engagement and attendance. 

Required skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field. 

• 3–5 years of professional experience in development, communications, or related work. 

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with donor databases (ex: Donor Perfect) a plus. 

• Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools (Canva, Constant Contact, etc.) strongly preferred. 

• Spanish proficiency/fluency preferred. 

• Commitment to RMIAN’s mission and values. 

Location:

This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado. RMIAN provides a dedicated workstation, computer, and desk in an office setting. RMIAN’s operations are currently operating on a hybrid remote/in-person model requiring at least two days a week of work at RMIAN’s office or other work-related locations.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $60,000 to $65,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package which includes:

• Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 Federal holidays, plus, an annual week-long holiday office closure;

• Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Dental & vision insurance (90% covered by RMIAN);

• Life insurance & professional liability insurance (100% covered);

• Professional development funds and opportunities;

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 4%)

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan; and

• Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment

If this profile calls to you, please send your resume and a short statement that explains why this is particular role is a great fit for you to hr@rmian.org by February 13, 2025.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

New American Immigration Council Report on Immigration Detention Expansion

When President Trump took office in January 2025, there were roughly 40,000 people being held in immigration detention. By the start of December, that number had risen by almost 75 percent, with nearly 66,000 people held in immigration detention across the United States and the system reportedly capable of holding 70,000 people on any given day — the highest level in history.

This report aims to document the historic expansion of detention under the Trump administration. It details not only the policy changes which have led to ICE detention reaching the highest level on record, but also their impact on the individuals who have found themselves locked into it. The growth in immigration detention, and the spectacle which has accompanied the construction and use of new facilities — coupled with the near-elimination of any transparency into the operation and use of those facilities — is the backbone of President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.

As this report reveals, rather than focusing on serious public safety threats and flight risks, the Trump administration is primarily using detention to pressure people into giving up their chance to remain in the United States.

We’re Hiring: Detention Program Supervising Attorney

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Supervising Attorney in the Detention Program. The Supervising Attorney will manage a team of attorneys providing direct representation to individuals detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, and will provide direct representation to noncitizens at the facility who are selected without regard to the merits of their cases under RMIAN’s universal representation model. 

This position is meant for a seasoned immigration attorney with experience managing others. The Supervising Attorney’s time will be split between a robust caseload and supervision of other attorneys, so experience practicing removal defense immigration law, preferably in a detained setting, along with a strong desire and commitment to managing others, is vital.

The ideal candidate:

• Is an experienced attorney who has a background in immigration law and a strong commitment to immigrant justice. 

• Is an individual with experience supervising other staff members who demonstrates strong leadership skills and skill at mentoring legal professionals.

• Enjoys creative lawyering and working in a collaborative setting but can work independently.

• Is committed to the idea that everyone in removal proceedings deserves to have an attorney.

• Is committed to the principles of human equality, treats everyone with dignity, and is able to effectively and compassionately work with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Has experience representing detained noncitizens in cases complicated by criminal legal contacts.

• Demonstrates empathy, is an active listener, exhibits excellent problem-solving abilities, understands the importance of constructive feedback, and easily builds trust with colleagues.

• Is dedicated to client-centered legal representation.

• Understands how to prioritize. The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, and has a keen eye for detail while keeping an eye on the big picture. This person enjoys handling multiple tasks running in parallel and can triage to meet time-sensitive deadlines while working toward larger goals.

• Is team-oriented and works in collaboration with RMIAN staff members, clients, and community partners while also being able to manage casework and deadlines independently.

• Has a strong commitment to serving low-income and underserved communities, with an ability to relate to and communicate with a broad range of clients and colleagues.

• Is skilled at building rapport with clients and at building relationships with colleagues and external partners (including governmental agencies, nonprofit providers, and community groups). Acts with courtesy, patience, and poise, and is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others.

• Enjoys collaborating with others and understands how to keep people focused on the goal —this person thrives on working as a member of a team and has experience with project management and positively influencing people to get things done. In particular, this person excels at engaging and motivating colleagues at all levels to keep moving toward results.

• Appreciates the need to be responsive and act on time-sensitive inquiries – this person can respond quickly and is skilled at time management.

• Enjoys finding and creating efficiencies – this person naturally conceptualizes workflow through a systems approach, thrives on innovating to make tasks more streamlined, and works quickly and accurately.

• Is able to work autonomously and independently – this person doesn’t require micromanaging and can be trusted to manage and meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner without the need for extensive oversight.

Responsibilities:

Attorney Supervision and Program Management

• Supervise 3-5 Staff Attorneys, ensuring they have the supervision, support, and structure needed to handle their caseloads, and to ensure that program goals are met

• Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney to ensure direct representation team has educational and other supports necessary to continue providing services in a changing and challenging legal environment.

• Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney to create experience-based, reasonable caseload expectations, and ensure the team is meeting those caseload goals.

• Work with the Detention Program Managing Attorney, Deputy Managing Attorney, and Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney to develop strategies for increasing representation based on detention population and RMIAN’s capacity for direct representation and pro bono referrals.

• Work with Detention Program Managing Attorney on reporting to funders as required.

• Coordinate with Detention Program Managing Attorney and RMIAN Social Service Program as needed to ensure RMIAN staff is providing trauma-informed services at all times.

• Provide mentorship and training to direct representation staff attorneys, including by reviewing written work, observing court hearings, and collective brainstorming on case development.

• Contribute to development of template and sample work product libraries.

• Create and implement systems to enhance efficiency of direct representation for detained individuals.

Direct Representation

• Provide high-quality legal representation to detained noncitizens in their immigration legal matters.

• Manage a complex caseload independently with minimal need for supervision or guidance on legal work or strategy. Track and meet all case deadlines. Demonstrate superior legal skills and analysis and high-quality written work that requires minimal review or editing.

Outreach, Community Education, Development, and Organizational Efforts

• Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, and development efforts.

• Foster relationships with clients willing to engage in campaigns to promote public awareness of RMIAN’s work and its impact on people who seek lasting protection from deportation in the United States.

• Participate in community building, committee work and other activities within RMIAN.

Required skills and experience:

• Admission to any state bar.

• Professional proficiency in English and Spanish sufficient to represent clients without an interpreter (will be tested during interviews)

• Immigration law experience in removal defense.

• Deep dedication to immigration legal services, working with individuals in detention, commitment to working with members of marginalized groups, and people with prior history of involvement in the criminal and immigration legal systems.

• Demonstrated cultural competency.

Location:

• This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado, and requires frequent travel to the Aurora Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado. RMIAN currently operates on a hybrid remote/in-person model, and this position will require a minimum of two full days per week of in-office work.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience; the range is between $80,000 to $95,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package which includes:

• Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 Federal holidays, plus an annual week-long holiday office closure;

• Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Dental & vision insurance (90% covered by RMIAN);

• Life insurance & professional liability insurance (100% covered);

• Professional development funds and opportunities;

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 4%)

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan; and

• Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment

If this profile calls to you, please send your resume, a writing sample, references, and a short cover letter that explains why this role is a great fit for you to hr@rmian.org.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

RMIAN signs on to Coalition Letter Urging Congress to Refuse Increased Funding for ICE

RMIAN joined more than 400 other civil rights and human rights organizations to call on Congress to rein in the escalating violence and lawlessness endangering our communities.

What data shows about ICE arrests in Colorado in 2025

Arrest rates through mid-October increased fourfold over 2024

Monique Sherman, the Detention Program Managing Attorney at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, said that the data matches her expectations, and that a much larger share of detained people she saw this year were apprehended internally — at work, home or during a traffic stop — rather than at the border.

Immigrant Rights and Community Activist Jeanette Vizguerra-Ramirez Released from ICE Detention

On Monday afternoon, December 22nd, Jeannette Vizguerra-Ramirez walked out of the for profit GEO Immigration Detention Center into the loving arms of her family. After nine long months inside the facility, which has suffered extensive criticism for its lack of adequate health care and substandard food lacking nutrition, both of which Ms. Vizguerra-Ramirez decried.

On Sunday, an Immigration Judge, in a written decision, ordered the release of the immigrant rights activist on bond after finding that the Department of Homeland Security failed to justify her continued detention at a hearing. Ms. Vizguerra-Ramirez’s family posted the bond with support from the esteemed Immigrant Freedom Fund ensuring her release as soon as possible.

Laura Lunn, RMIAN Director of Advocacy & Litigation, celebrated her release, saying “For decades, Jeanette has advocated for her community. When she was detained earlier this year, she needed her community to step up for her - and that is exactly what they did, showing up at vigils each week to remind her and others detained that they are not forgotten. RMIAN is honored to be a part of the team supporting Jeanette, the larger immigrant rights movement, and engaging in necessary legal battles to ensure that people can speak out without facing unlawful restrictions on their liberty and impermissible limits on their freedom of speech.” 

Read the full press release from American Friends Service Committee here.

Law360: Biggest Colorado Cases Of 2025

Judge Halts Warrantless ICE Arrests

Laura Lunn, director of advocacy and litigation at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, said that in a year when people across Colorado have been "terrorized" by mass enforcement actions and "brutal" arrests, the ruling made clear that ICE cannot conduct warrantless arrests without showing good reason.

"Having this type of very clear mandate saying that [ICE] cannot just pick people up kind of willy-nilly, which is what we have been seeing, and instead there has to be clear procedure followed that really goes into what constitutional rights people have in this country is a really critical form of protection for people," Lunn said.

Kids left without representation in Colorado immigration court after federal funding cuts

RMIAN in The New Yorker

Enemies of the State

How the Trump Administration declared war on Venezuelan migrants in the U.S.

By Jonathan Blitzer

Support RMIAN on Colorado Gives Day!

For 25 years, RMIAN has stood alongside immigrants and their families in Colorado—defending due process, protecting human rights, and ensuring that all people have access to justice. Because of supporters like you, RMIAN has provided free legal representation and social service support to tens of thousands of people over the past 25 years. Please donate today to ensure this impact continues! Your generosity ensures that no one faces this system alone—that loved ones have someone to represent them and to protect their rights.

RMIAN 25th Anniversary Celebration & Volunteer Appreciation!

Every day, RMIAN fights for justice and stands alongside individuals who face unimaginable odds: children alone in immigration court, parents separated from their families, and individuals detained without access to legal counsel. Over the past 25 years, RMIAN has provided free legal representation and advocacy to tens of thousands of people in immigration proceedings in Colorado, working alongside our clients and partners to fight for justice. Join us to celebrate this incredible milestone, and to honor the volunteers and supporters who have made this work possible!

RMIAN 25th Anniversary Celebration & Volunteer Appreciation

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Program begins at 6pm and will include inspiring client stories, and reflections from Hiroshi Motomura, RMIAN Founding Board Member, UCLA Professor of Law, and author of recently published Borders and Belonging: Toward a Fair Immigration Policy.

Schoolyard Beer Garden, Auditorium Event Space

1115 Acoma St

Denver, CO 80204

RSVPs are required to attend this event. Space is limited--please RSVP here today! Please note: this will not be a plated dinner. Guests will enjoy street tacos and drinks. The event space is on the 2nd floor—there is an elevator available for accessibility.

A very special THANK YOU to our incredible event sponsors for making this celebration possible!

The Colorado Health Foundation

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Colorado Lawyers Trust Account Foundation (COLTAF)

Cooley LLP

Jerry Glick, Columbia Group LLLP

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

Palmer Polaski PC

Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC

If you are interested in being an event sponsor, please reach out to RMIAN's Director of Development & Communications, Jodi Vongsakoun at development@rmian.org.

Join us for the CBA CLE Immigration Law Training!

Please join the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network and CBA-CLE for our annual Immigration Law CLE training on November 14, 2025! This event will include a substantive review of the requirements for cancellation of removal followed by interactive trial advocacy sessions that are sure to improve your litigation skills (and confidence) in immigration court. Attorneys who agree to take a pro bono case through RMIAN attend for only $75! CLE Credits: General Credits - 5.00

REGISTER NOW!

The need for legal representation in immigration proceedings is greater than ever. Build your skills for defending and advancing the rights of non-citizens during this half-day training offered both in-person and virtually. This training is great for immigration and non-immigration attorneys who have one or fewer years of immigration law experience, and for attorneys who have experience in one area of immigration law and are interested in learning about a new case type.

This year, we will start by reviewing requirements for cancellation of removal, a relief option for some long-term members of our communities and survivors of domestic violence. This substantive training will be followed by a two-hour interactive trial advocacy session focusing on conducting direct examination and responding to objections.

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will also be opportunities to sign up for a case that day, if you are inspired and ready to get started!

Colorado Politics: Federal judge orders release hearing for torture victim in 'abhorrent' immigration custody

Read full article here.

MSN: U.S. citizens, asylum seekers and more: The real people affected by Trump's latest immigration raids

Full article here.

Mother Jones: Trump Disappeared Them to El Salvador. Now, They’re Being Erased by Immigration Courts.

Article here.