San Antonio’s RAICES Faces Heartbreaking Layoffs

News Summary

RAICES, the Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services in San Antonio, has announced layoffs affecting 159 employees. This decision follows previous job cuts and is largely attributed to funding cuts from policies enacted under the Trump administration. The organization pledges to continue offering legal assistance to clients despite significant workforce reductions, which are part of a larger trend affecting nonprofits across Texas due to deteriorating federal funding.

San Antonio Faces Heartbreaking Layoffs as RAICES Cuts Workforce

In a shocking blow to the local community, San Antonio’s Refugee and Immigration Center for Education and Legal Services Inc. (RAICES) has issued layoff notices to over 150 of its dedicated employees. On April 2, 2025, RAICES announced the layoffs at its San Antonio location, impacting a staggering 159 workers. This comes just two months after the organization had to let go of 61 employees in February, marking a troubling trend in the nonprofit sector.

Challenges from Funding Cuts

RAICES, a well-established nonprofit founded in 1986, specializes in providing essential legal assistance to migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers. Unfortunately, decisions made under the Trump administration have drastically affected funding streams, leading to the current situation. The organization recently received a Notice of Partial Termination for the Government’s Convenience on March 21, which adversely affected federal funding crucial for the legal representation of unaccompanied children.

Commitment to Clients

Despite the layoffs, RAICES has pledged to ensure that clients with upcoming court hearings will continue to receive uninterrupted legal representation until the end of September 2025. This commitment demonstrates the organization’s dedication to its mission, even amidst financial hurdles. However, with the workforce expected to shrink from 257 employees to just around 100 by September, the strain on services is palpable.

Impact of Policy Changes

The layoffs are primarily attributed to the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, which has created an alarming 8-figure funding gap that cannot be supplemented by other sources. This gap particularly affects the Unaccompanied Children’s Services Program, leaving many vulnerable children without access to necessary legal support.

It’s important to note that the employees affected by these layoffs are not just attorneys. The cuts also include case managers and aides, all integral parts of the team who provide essential services to those in need. RAICES had previously reported a workforce of 385 employees in its 2023 tax filings, highlighting just how severe this reduction will be.

A Wider Trend

RAICES is not alone in facing these challenges. Other nonprofit organizations across Texas, like Estrella del Paso and the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, have also announced layoffs as federal funding continues to dry up. These layoffs are part of a broader trend affecting organizations that assist refugees and migrants, all stemming from the changes in federal policy initiated by the Trump administration since he took office.

Legal Action and Hope for Restoration

In light of these circumstances, three nonprofit organizations have taken legal action to restore funding for legal services aimed at unaccompanied minors. These children, who benefit from special protections under federal law, are currently at risk due to the funding cuts. Acacia, a national nonprofit based in Washington D.C., plays a pivotal role in linking legal representation for approximately 26,000 children in immigration court.

Since the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program that began in January 2025, the financial strain on organizations like RAICES has only deepened. Many staff members and volunteers are heartbroken as they witness capable teams disband, their mission compromised by funding shortfalls and stricter enforcement measures regarding undocumented migrants.

The Road Ahead

For San Antonio and the dedicated employees of RAICES, the coming months will be a test of resilience. Ensuring that the most vulnerable populations in our community continue to receive support will be paramount as the organization navigates these troubling waters. As the landscape for nonprofit funding evolves, the future remains uncertain, and many hope for a shift in policy to restore the critical services that so many depend on.

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HERE Resources

Layoff Notices at RAICES Impact 61 Employees in San Antonio

Additional Resources

• KSAT News
• Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
• KENS5 News
• Google Search: RAICES layoffs 2025
• Houston Chronicle
• Google Scholar: Texas immigration policy impacts
• San Antonio Current
• Encyclopedia Britannica: US immigration law
• Express News
• Google News: Texas nonprofit funding issues