TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Sep 8, 2025

Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR), a Memphis-based legal nonprofit, is partnering with clergy members to create an immigration court "watch program" aimed at supporting immigrants and increasing transparency in court proceedings, Tennessee Lookout reports. AIR Executive Director Casey Bryant said the effort comes as federal prosecutors push for faster deportations and immigrants risk arrest at hearings, often without legal representation. Catholic priests Juan Antonio “Tony” Romo and Valentine Handwerker have already begun attending hearings, offering what Romo described as solidarity for immigrants facing a daunting process. Bryant said the goal is to establish a formal program with trained volunteers in each courtroom, providing a “friendly face” in the system.