This post is part of an ongoing MSBA blog series in support of our Urgent Call to Action for Pro Bono Assistance and Representation to File Federal Habeas Corpus Petitions. In light of rising immigration enforcement across Maryland, federal habeas filings represent the primary tool to challenge unlawful detentions and prevent rapid out-of-state transfers. This series aims to prepare members to take on pro bono cases with guidance and ongoing mentorship.
Act Now: Become Habeas Corpus Petition Proficient Before a Crisis Strikes
When a client or community member faces sudden immigration detention in Maryland, practitioners do not have days to research federal civil procedure, they have mere hours. Due to Maryland’s lack of long-term detention facilities, individuals processed locally face swift transfer to distant jurisdictions where legal remedies are significantly curtailed. Represented immigrants are 14 times more likely to succeed in their legal challenges, making immediate pro bono intervention vital.
To help members meet this urgent demand, the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA), in collaboration with local and national partners, is hosting an intensive training session on September 1, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Upcoming Training: Mastering Emergency Federal Habeas Filings
This training will benefit practitioners who want to bridge the gap between knowing the law and executing it under intense time constraints.
You will gain an understanding of habeas corpus law in the civil detention context, learn about the major statutory detention authorities in the immigration space and legal theories for challenging common postures of unlawful immigration detention, and discuss the practicalities of representation in the detained immigration context.
Secure Your Spot
Don’t wait for a midnight emergency call to figure out federal habeas mechanics. Register Here for the Emergency Habeas Corpus Training Session.