Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Tonight, MALDEF recognized the contributions of three Latino leaders at its Chicago Awards Gala for their commitment to uplifting and protecting the civil rights of the Latino community.

📸 left to right:
Jose M. Muñoz, Executive Director of La Casa Norte
Beatriz Ponce de León, Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights of the City of Chicago
Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President & General Counsel
Martin V. Torres, Deputy Governor for Education in the Office of the Illinois Governor

One year after the Texas Dream Act was struck down, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz argued before the Fifth Circuit in support of students’ right to defend the law that Paxton refuses to defend. More: https://www.maldef.org/n63l

MALDEF Legislative Staff Attorney Martin Klein spoke with about how Illinois' Court Access, Safety and Participation Act (CASPA) depends on federal law, including the Federal Tort Claims Act, to help provide civil remedies for people affected by ICE enforcement. Read more: https://www.maldef.org/ee5u

Join us as we celebrate Martin V. Torres, Deputy Governor for Education in the Office of the Illinois Governor, with the Excellence in Government Service Award at our 2026 Chicago Awards Gala.
For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.maldef.org/gz89

One year after the Texas Dream Act was struck down, the fight continues.

MALDEF is proud to represent Students for Affordable Tuition in this important case and will argue on their behalf tomorrow before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals as the court considers whether students can defend the law because Paxton refuses to defend it. Read more: https://www.maldef.org/rltd

Join us as we celebrate Beatriz Ponce de León, Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights of the City of Chicago, with the Excellence in Community Service Award at our 2026 Chicago Awards Gala. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.maldef.org/gz89

MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz joined the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation and the Monterey Park Chamber of Commerce as a special guest speaker at the screening of the documentary The Race Epidemic. More: https://theracedocumentary.org/

Institutions cannot deny DACA recipients and other immigrant students access to services based solely on their status. Read more: https://www.maldef.org/le0l

Join us on Thursday, June 11, for MALDEF’s 2026 Chicago Annual Awards Gala at The Palmer House Hotel.

We are proud to recognize three remarkable Latino leaders whose work continues to advance opportunity and justice: Jose M. Muñoz, Executive Director of La Casa Norte; Beatriz Ponce de León, Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights of the City of Chicago and Martin V. Torres, Deputy Governor for Education in the Office of the Illinois Governor.

We hope to see you there for an inspiring evening celebrating leadership and community. Visit this link to secure your seat: https://www.maldef.org/gz89