Protecting Human Rights Together: Fall House Parties 2026
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Migrant Rights House Party—October 1, 2026
On October 1st, supporters gathered at our Migrant Rights House Party to learn more about and get involved with The Advocates work to defend the human rights of migrants.
We learned that children facing deportation alone are among the most urgent cases. Separated from their families and home countries, many having experienced significant trauma, children are 100 times more likely to be deported if they do not have a lawyer by their side. While longtime federal funding has been cut off, with your support The Advocates will be able to continue representing the 275 unaccompanied children and young adults whose cases are underway.
This year the Advocates mobilized more than 1000 pro bono legal professionals to provide free legal help to people seeking asylum, trafficking survivors, and people in immigration detention. And more than 300 volunteers documented human rights violations in the Fort Snelling Immigration Court.
Despite chaos in the immigration system, legal representation continues to make a difference. Here are two recent success stories:
- A child entered the U.S. seeking safety after escaping severe familial abuse. With the help of a pro bono attorney, they applied for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and the petition has now been approved. Now, they can safely stay here and pursue their dreams.
- An 11-year-old child has a green card pending with USCIS. Their pro bono attorney convinced the Immigration Court to terminate removal proceedings so the child can pursue their green card without fear of detention and deportation during the wait time.
Learn more about our migrant rights work here.
Women's Rights House Party—October 7, 2026
On October 7th, we held our Women's Rights House Party where attendees we're able to learn more about our work to protect the rights of women and girls around the world.
We heard how the targeting of women in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge, from sexual assault of women detained by ICE to misogynistic slurs aimed at women activists, mirrored the harms leveled against women’s human rights defenders in authoritarian countries around the world.
We also heard about the incredible power of women in Minnesota and around the world who rise up to take action, volunteering, protesting, and providing aid to keep other women safe.
What Minnesota women did during Operations Metro Surge is what The Advocates does every day. The Advocates works to end violence against women around the world. Whether it’s our court observation project right here in Minneapolis or whether it’s advocating for women's rights with our partner organizations from around the world at the UN, the work never stops.
As the implementing partner of the Minnesota Truth Council, The Advocates has been collecting stories of the harm that Operation Metro Surge caused and the resilience Minnesotans showed in resisting it. Together, we are creating a lasting public record and a vision for the future.
Learn more about our women's rights work here.
A huge thanks to our wonderful hosts and co-hosts, as well as everyone who attended, volunteered, donated, and helped make these parties such a success! Our work is only possible because of your generous support.
We all have a part to play in defending human rights. You can donate to help us continue our vital work here and learn about our many volunteering opportunities here.
Design by Peter Olson
