Adam Peña is an Immigration Attorney at La Maestra Community Health Centers, where he represents undocumented immigrants and detainees. At 25 years old, he was the youngest mayoral campaign manager for the 19th largest city in America. In April 2025, Adam made national headlines after the Department of Homeland Security mistakenly sent him a self-deportation notice.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [4:19] Adam Peña talks about his upbringing in El Paso and his early aspirations to be a filmmaker
- [10:33] How Adam led a successful $5M park development campaign and became the city’s youngest mayoral campaign manager
- [15:25] Adam’s decision to attend law school and the connection between storytelling in film and legal advocacy
- [21:40] Should Latinos in the US be concerned about current immigration enforcement tactics?
- [29:28] How the ICE Block app helps communities track enforcement actions
- [34:29] Adam recounts receiving a wrongful deportation notice from DHS
- [44:33] Adam’s work with La Maestra Community Health Centers, providing free immigration legal services
In this episode…
Immigration enforcement has taken an aggressive turn, leaving many Latino communities across the US feeling targeted and vulnerable. Amid increasing reports of raids and wrongful detentions, even US-born citizens are finding themselves caught in bureaucratic crossfire. What protections exist for those facing threats from systemic targeting and intimidation?
Having received a mistaken deportation notice from the Department of Homeland Security, immigration lawyer Adam Peña notes that even immigration advocates are not immune to threats. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your rights, carrying proper identification, and consulting an immigration attorney about potential relief options like U visas or asylum. Citizens and immigration professionals can also leverage resources such as the ICE Block app and red cards to stay informed and protected.
In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and Ariel Zarrin host Adam Peña, Immigration Attorney at La Maestra Community Health Centers, to discuss advocating for immigrants amid deportations and threats. Adam shares how storytelling shapes his work as an attorney, community activism strategies, and how to address systemic bias in immigration enforcement.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- Ariel Zarrin on LinkedIn
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- Adam Peña: LinkedIn | Instagram
- La Maestra Community Health Centers
Quotable Moments:
- “As an American, as an immigration attorney, I’m committed to justice. I will always demand that.”
- “You’re telling the story of your client, and you’re going to bat for that client.”
- “It is time for you to leave the United States… The federal government will find you.”
- “I think it’s one of the most patriotic things to be able to hold this country accountable.”
- “They tell me if I need more information on how to leave, I can use their CBP app.”
Action Steps:
- Know your rights and carry documentation: Having identification, like a birth certificate or passport, on hand can prevent wrongful detention and streamline interactions with immigration authorities. This is especially critical in high-surveillance environments where legal residents and citizens may be misidentified.
- Consult an immigration attorney: Seeking professional legal advice can uncover eligibility for visas, asylum, or other forms of relief. Proactive consultations ensure individuals understand their options before facing a crisis.
- Use tools like the ICE Block app: Apps that monitor enforcement activity can help individuals avoid areas with active immigration raids. Staying informed in real time can reduce exposure to potentially harmful encounters.
- Keep a low profile if undocumented: Limiting unnecessary attention while maintaining awareness of legal risks helps mitigate exposure to enforcement actions. Until legal options are available, discretion can be a protective strategy.
- Share and distribute “know your rights” resources: Informational materials like red cards empower communities to respond effectively during encounters with law enforcement. Accessible education fosters preparedness and collective protection.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.