Colectiva Legal del Pueblo was founded in November 2012 by immigration attorney Sandy Restrepo and undocumented community organizers, including Alma Gutierrez. The idea was born while Sandy was still in law school, inspired by her mentor Dean Spade. Together, they envisioned a legal collective that provided both legal support and helped build community power.

With no office, grants, or staff beyond one attorney and four undocumented organizers, Colectiva launched its first year by holding over 50 Know-Your-Rights and DACA workshops in churches, schools, and community centers, reaching over 1,000 people. We also submitted over 50 successful DACA applications and began partnering with school districts and churches to expand access.

In 2013, Sandy began representing detained immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC), and in 2014, we helped spark a hunger strike inside the NWDC through a civil disobedience action. This led to the founding of Families Organizing to Stop Deportations, which evolved into NWDC La Resistencia.

Despite working full-time jobs elsewhere, we kept building—supported by family, friends, and growing community involvement. We received our first grants in 2013, allowing us to grow from volunteers to staff and expand our legal and organizing efforts.

Following the 2016 election, we co-founded the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, launching the state’s first immigrant defense hotline and bond fund. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we supported efforts to secure statewide relief for undocumented communities.

These partnerships have helped build a stronger, more unified immigrant community, and we remain committed to supporting and amplifying these efforts as they continue to advocate for justice and freedom for all.