Trump’s memo threatening immigration attorneys is a classic bullying tactic. We lawyers can’t cave.

Philadelphia’s legal community is facing mounting pressure following the Trump administration’s recent memo targeting immigration attorneys. The directive, which instructs the attorney general to investigate immigration lawyers for allegedly coaching clients to lie, lacks specific evidence but risks intimidating legal advocates representing vulnerable immigrants in Philadelphia.

This memo arrives as Philadelphia’s Federal Detention Center (FDC) has begun housing approximately 125 immigration detainees under a new agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The timing raises concerns that this directive may discourage lawyers from representing clients detained in the city’s facility just as immigration enforcement intensifies.

FDC, traditionally designed for criminal defendants, is now one of only two facilities in the Northeast designated to handle this influx of detainees. Immigration lawyers working with people in this environment often face additional challenges, including limited access to clients, language barriers, and inconsistent communication with detention authorities. These challenges make the role of attorneys even more crucial in ensuring detainees can present their cases properly.

The Trump administration’s memo further complicates the work of these legal advocates by threatening professional sanctions, termination of government contracts, and loss of security clearances for those challenging immigration policies. For many attorneys, the risk of unjust accusations may discourage zealous legal advocacy — a development that would disproportionately harm Philadelphia’s immigrant communities.

The city’s immigrant population includes recent arrivals from West African, Caribbean, and Central American communities, many of whom rely on legal representation to protect their rights. Without access to legal assistance, these people may face wrongful deportation or prolonged detention.

The release of this memo also highlights troubling double standards. While immigration lawyers are now facing scrutiny, attorneys tied to Donald Trump have faced severe professional consequences for unethical conduct.

Rudy Giuliani was disbarred in both New York and Washington, D.C., for spreading election falsehoods. John Eastman’s law license was suspended after advancing unfounded election claims. Meanwhile, nine pro-Trump lawyers were sanctioned over $175,000 for what a judge described as a “profound abuse of the judicial process.”

The administration’s memo provides no such evidence of misconduct by Philadelphia’s immigration attorneys, yet they now face potential repercussions simply for advocating on behalf of their clients.

The administration’s memo provides no such evidence of misconduct by Philadelphia’s immigration attorneys, yet they now face potential repercussions.

Philadelphia’s role in this growing detention system introduces additional concerns. As both an immigration attorney and a licensed physician assistant, I have seen the medical neglect that often accompanies immigration detention.

Detainees with chronic health conditions, mental health issues, or injuries frequently struggle to receive proper care. Without strong legal representation, their medical needs risk being overlooked.

The Trump administration’s memo undermines the very advocacy that ensures detainees receive fair treatment. By discouraging attorneys from taking complex cases, the directive threatens to silence voices that are vital to safeguarding due process.

Philadelphia’s legal community has a long tradition of defending vulnerable people. As expanded detention strains local resources and attorneys face new risks, maintaining that tradition remains crucial.

Robert Bond is a Philadelphia-based immigration attorney. He is also a licensed physician assistant, combining his medical expertise with legal advocacy to support immigrant communities.