Court Cases

Read about some of MALDEF’s work in the courts to uphold the civil rights of all Latinos.

Education

MALDEF INTERVENES ON BEHALF OF STUDENTS TO DEFEND THE TEXAS DREAM ACT

Jun 11, 2025

San Antonio – A Latino civil rights organization has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit that rescinded in-state tuition for students without lawful immigration status in Texas, according to papers filed today.

MALDEF ASKS COURT TO COMPEL NEW MEXICO TO RESOLVE DEFICIENCIES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

Sep 17, 2024

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – Civil rights attorneys are asking a state court to force New Mexico education officials to come up with a plan to address longstanding deficiencies in the state’s K-12 public education system.

Employment

MALDEF STATEMENT ON SETTLEMENT WITH MARTIN FAMILY FARMS

Jul 15, 2024

On September 8, 2020, MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational

MALDEF FILES JOB DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE LOS ANGELES PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

Jul 7, 2023

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Public Defender’s promotion policy unlawfully discriminates against Latino attorneys, according to a federal lawsuit filed Friday against Los Angeles County.

Immigrants’ Rights

JUDGE GRANTS PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF CLASS-ACTION SETTLEMENT IN DISCRIMINATORY-LENDING LAWSUIT

Aug 6, 2025

LOS ANGELES – A federal judge has granted preliminary approval of a class-action settlement between NuVision Credit Union and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and other immigrants who were denied loans and financial services based on their immigration status rather than their ability to repay.

JUDGE ALLOWS MALDEF CLIENTS TO INTERVENE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH LAWSUIT CHALLENGING SANCTUARY LAW

Jul 31, 2025

SANTA ANA – A Latino civil rights organization can intervene in a lawsuit by the city of Huntington Beach challenging California’s sanctuary law.

Voting Rights

MALDEF CHALLENGES 2021 REDISTRICTING MAPS FOR STANISLAUS COUNTY

Apr 23, 2025

LOS ANGELES – A Latino civil rights group is suing Stanislaus County and its officials over county redistricting maps that violate the federal Voting Rights Act and dilute the voting strength of Latino voters, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.

APPEALS COURT SAYS ARIZONA VOTER PURGE LAW MAY BE DISCRIMINATORY

Mar 3, 2025

Case Returns to District Court for Further Proceedings on Intent Claim

Access to Justice

MALDEF TAKES A STEP TOWARD CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF U.S. CITIZEN DETAINED BY ICE

Jul 2, 2025

LOS ANGELES – A Latino civil rights organization is taking a first step toward a civil lawsuit and asking the federal government to pay damages of $1 million to a United States citizen who was assaulted and unlawfully detained by federal immigration officers in front of a Home Depot.

ILLINOIS ENACTS LANGUAGE EQUITY BILL FOR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

Dec 23, 2024

(CHICAGO) – MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) partnered with Illinois state lawmakers to enact a law requiring interpretive assistance for people with limited English proficiency who have low incomes or who represent themselves in state administrative hearings.

Freedom from open and obvious bias and racism

MALDEF TAKES A STEP TOWARD CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF U.S. CITIZEN DETAINED BY ICE

Jul 2, 2025

EX-TEACHER WHO THREATENED LATINO FRUIT VENDOR WITH RACIAL SLURS ORDERED TO PAY DAMAGES

Mar 1, 2025

LOS ANGELES – A former public school teacher who launched a racist and anti-immigrant tirade against a Santa Clarita street vendor was ordered by a judge to pay over $49,000 for his harmful actions.

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Court Cases

Education

MALDEF INTERVENES ON BEHALF OF STUDENTS TO DEFEND THE TEXAS DREAM ACT

MALDEF ASKS COURT TO COMPEL NEW MEXICO TO RESOLVE DEFICIENCIES IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

Employment

MALDEF STATEMENT ON SETTLEMENT WITH MARTIN FAMILY FARMS

MALDEF FILES JOB DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE LOS ANGELES PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE

Immigrants’ Rights

JUDGE GRANTS PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF CLASS-ACTION SETTLEMENT IN DISCRIMINATORY-LENDING LAWSUIT

JUDGE ALLOWS MALDEF CLIENTS TO INTERVENE IN HUNTINGTON BEACH LAWSUIT CHALLENGING SANCTUARY LAW

Voting Rights

MALDEF CHALLENGES 2021 REDISTRICTING MAPS FOR STANISLAUS COUNTY

APPEALS COURT SAYS ARIZONA VOTER PURGE LAW MAY BE DISCRIMINATORY

Access to Justice

MALDEF TAKES A STEP TOWARD CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF U.S. CITIZEN DETAINED BY ICE

ILLINOIS ENACTS LANGUAGE EQUITY BILL FOR ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

Freedom from open and obvious bias and racism

MALDEF TAKES A STEP TOWARD CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT ON BEHALF OF U.S. CITIZEN DETAINED BY ICE

EX-TEACHER WHO THREATENED LATINO FRUIT VENDOR WITH RACIAL SLURS ORDERED TO PAY DAMAGES

Help protect and promote the civil rights of the Latino community and the future for all Americans.

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