Undergraduate Internship, Detention Hotline

At Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, we confront the impact that the unjust immigration system has on our clients and communities through direct legal representation, impact litigation, education, and client-centered advocacy. We engage in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrants facing detention or deportation, regardless of background, because everyone has the right to be free, safe, and supported. We are the only non-profit organization in the Washington, D.C. area that is exclusively focused on providing legal assistance to adult and child immigrants detained by the government in the Capital Region and beyond.

Position Summary

Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is looking for four undergraduate students to support our Detention Hotline, which connects noncitizen adults held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody to Amica Center staff for legal education and legal representation. Our Detention Hotline can receive calls from anyone detained in ICE facilities across the US, with most calls coming from individuals detained in Virginia, as well as from residents of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia who are detained in other states. The Detention Hotline also receives calls from non-detained individuals looking for legal referrals for their loved ones or themselves.

The Detention Hotline Interns will be answering and fielding calls from detained immigrants to our legal staff and fielding messages to answer their questions. They will also conduct legal intakes with clients over the phone, which is the first step in our case distribution process. The Detention Hotline Interns will also assist with administrative tasks relating to the Detention Hotline and client services, including data entry, document translation and document translation coordination, and interpreting (depending on Spanish fluency level). This position will give students the opportunity to utilize and improve their oral Spanish skills and learn more about immigration law, specifically deportation defense. We are currently accepting intern applications for Spring 2027. Our Spring Internship program asks for a commitment of at least 20 hours a week during normal working hours (Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET) for at least 12 weeks, starting on or about January 11th.

Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If relevant, please discuss in your application how your background motivates your interest in this position or otherwise affects your career goals.

Scholarship Opportunity

To learn more, please visit https://amicacenter.org/join-the-fight/careers-internships/.

Hybrid / Remote

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2026 internships can be completed remotely; however, we will be prioritizing candidates who are able to work in-person on a hybrid schedule from our Washington, DC office. We encourage applicants from local universities, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply.

General Duties & Responsibilities

Detention Hotline (60%)

• Staff the detention hotline and help detained immigrant individuals access legal services by:
• connecting callers with Amica Center legal staff
• delivering follow-up messages relating to individual’s cases
• providing information about Amica Center’s upcoming jail visits
• Data entry relating to client information and interactions over the detention hotline
• Administrative tasks to prepare for hotline shifts and share information with the Know Your Rights team

Know Your Rights & Legal Education (15%)

• Conduct telephonic intake interviews with immigrant individuals in detention and enter intake data into our client database
• Maintain client database by entering intakes or follow-up messages after jail visits
• Provide ad hoc support to the Jail Visit Teams in their preparation for and breakdown of documents and intakes from the visit.

Translation & Interpreting (15%)

• Translate documents to be submitted to court in support of the legal immigration cases of clients and pro se individuals
• Documents include declarations, letters of support, birth certificates, and news articles
• Interpret calls between Amica Center attorneys and their clients
• Types of calls include declaration readbacks, hearing prep, offers of legal representation, witness interviews, etc.

Additional Responsibilities (10%)

• Remotely observe detained master calendar hearings and bond hearings
• Attend immigration law training opportunities
• Filing and other administrative assistance as needed
• Supporting on other projects within the Detention Hotline, the Volunteer Program, and the Know Your Rights team as capacity and interest allow

Requirements

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree
• Must be 18 or older
• Working professional proficiency in Spanish required; Spanish fluency preferred
• Customer service skills including experience communicating with diverse audiences
• Ease with technology and proficiency in a variety of basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Outlook
• Quick learner & adaptable, with proven ability to learn new software or technology
• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills

Required Resources

Given the remote / hybrid nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to:

• A laptop or computer (*);
• Reliable internet;
• A phone.

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed

Application Process

To be considered for the internship, please fill out the application link and attach the following materials in .pdf format to your Paylocity application.

• A cover letter indicating your interest in this specific position. Please describe what experiences, personal and professional, have motivated you to apply.
• A resume; and
• At least 2 references

Apply through our website!

Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Detention Hotline, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.

Please email taylor(/at//)amicacenter(/dot/) org with any questions.

Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Internship application will be open until Friday, November 6, 2027.