The Door - A Center of Alternatives

Yesterday morning, a federal judge ordered the release of Joel, a 16-year-old Bronx high schooler and Door member with protective Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) who was detained last month at a routine ICE check-in. The entire Door community is relieved and grateful that Joel will return to his family, friends, and community. In recent weeks, two additional Door members were also released from detention. Bryan, a Door member since 2023, was released from a Texas detention facility in early November, and just last week, Ibrahima, who had been detained since June, was released after The Door and pro bono counsel filed a habeas, and was welcomed back into the Door community. These young people have shown extraordinary strength - and they never stood alone. Our Legal Services Center, NYCLU, and a powerful network of advocates, peers, and supporters fought beside him every step of the way. We are particularly grateful to the New York Civil Liberties Union for their partnership in the fight and to Mi Tlalli for ensuring Bryan could return safely to NYC. Thank you to Brad Lander for standing with Joel and with so many young people as they navigate the complex system. We’re deeply grateful to the New York City Council for standing with us in support of Joel and for their continued advocacy and investment in legal services for immigrant youth. We will continue to stand with Joel, Bryan, and Ibrahima - and with all young people - to ensure they have the opportunity to build a future of safety and stability. Welcome home, Joel, Bryan, and Ibrahima! #DoorNYC #NYCyouth #WeStandWithYoungPeople #LegalServices #ProBono #Immigration

We're happy to share an update in Joel's case. On Monday, a federal judge issued a temporary stay on his removal, preventing ICE from deporting him while his case continues. While Joel remains detained, this decision is a critical step forward, and we remain hopeful as we continue to fight for his release. Recently, Joel, a member of The Door’s community was detained at a mandatory ICE check-in, despite having approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, a protection designed to keep young people like him safe. He appeared in good faith, followed every regulation, and trusted that doing the right thing would keep him protected. His detention is devastating and unjust. The Door’s Legal Services team, alongside the NYCLU, is pursuing every legal avenue to bring Joel home and to uphold the rights and dignity of all immigrant youth. #DoorNYC #WeStandWithYoungPeople

This morning, The Door joined New York City Council members, community partners, including The New York Immigration Coalition, Mixteca, ROCC NYC Power, Asian American Federation, The Bronx Defenders, and Afrikana, on the steps of City Hall for a rally to support legal services for immigrants. The rally was led by Council Member Alexa Avilés ahead of a City Council Committee on Immigration hearing. Beth Baltimore, Deputy Director at The Door’s Legal Services Center, spoke about the urgent dangers facing immigrant New Yorkers, including recent Door members like Joel and Mouctar, who were detained despite the tireless efforts of our Legal team. These harmful practices not only endanger young people but also ripple through families, communities, and our city’s justice system. We’re deeply grateful to our partner organizations for standing with us in advocating for immigrant youth, and to the New York City Council for investing in the valuable legal services and supporting our ability to advocate for our clients. The Door will continue to fight for the safety, dignity, and futures of all young people. Tiffany Cabán Shahana Hanif #DoorNYC #NYCyouth #LegalServices #WeStandWithYoungPeople

Join us on Thursday, October 30, from 2–6 PM at 555 Broome Street for an afternoon of connection, discovery, and inspiration. Fall Kickoff, our annual open house, is a chance to see The Door’s comprehensive, youth-centered programs in action—from mental health and legal services to education, arts, and career development! Meet our dedicated staff, explore Broome Street Academy, and learn how we create pathways to a thriving future for young people across NYC. Whether you work with youth, want to volunteer, or are simply curious about what we do, we’d love to welcome you. Bring a friend, colleague, or a young person who could benefit from our services. 🎶 Expect interactive activities, music, light refreshments, and giveaways. 📍 555 Broome Street (corner of Broome & 6th Avenue) #DoorNYC #BSA #NYCyouth #FallKickOff

When Joel arrived at his mandatory ICE check-in yesterday morning, he brought his backpack in the hopes of getting to school before his first class. As a minor with approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, which has historically offered protections and a path to lawful residency, he has followed every regulation and trusted that doing the right thing would keep him safe. It’s devastating. It’s unjust. Joel's attorney, Beth Baltimore from The Door's Legal Services Center, has been with Joel every step of the way. As she left the courthouse without him, she shared, "I was too hopeful." At The Door, we believe no child should be punished for seeking safety and stability. You can read more about Joel today in an updated The New York Times article. https://lnkd.in/eKUD5XA2 The Door’s Legal Services team, alongside the New York Civil Liberties Union, has filed an emergency petition demanding Joel’s release. We will not stop fighting for him—and for every young person who deserves to be treated with dignity and care, not cruelty and fear. Thank you to Brad Lander, who joined Beth and Joel at his check-in. #DoorNYC #WeStandWithYoungPeople #LegalServices #NYCyouth

Yesterday morning, despite the tireless efforts and advocacy of The Door's Legal Services team, Joel Camas was detained at an ICE check-in appointment. Joel's story was featured in The New York Times piece we shared last week. Joel turned 16 over the summer, he loves soccer and pizza and he's a member of The Door's community. https://lnkd.in/eXZ8kj7D Joel appeared in good faith to meet the government requirements as a minor with an approved Special Immigrant Juvenile Status petition. His detention is unjust and devastating. He may be the first unaccompanied minor detained by the Trump administration in this term. The Door’s Legal Services team, in partnership with the @NYCLU, is pursuing every legal avenue to secure his release and to uphold the protections immigrant youth are guaranteed under the law. We will continue to stand beside Joel — and every young person seeking safety, stability, and the chance to build a brighter future. Support crucial legal services for NYC youth today: https://lnkd.in/d9aCt6zS #DoorNYC #WeStandWithYoungPeople #LegalServices #NYCyouth

What a night to remember! 💫 Recently, our community came together for Together We Thrive: The Door and Broome Street Academy’s 2025 Benefit for NYC Youth. We heard an inspiring story from Door alum who spoke about finding hope and direction through The Door, followed by a moving musical performance by talented Door artists. Change Maker Awardee Javier Muñoz spoke about the revolutionary power of nurturing, protecting, and uplifting the next generation, and the strength found in community. We also celebrated Founder’s Award honoree Pinterest, recognized for their transformative partnership and investment in youth arts and mental health, alongside powerful reflections from Kelsey Louie, who reminded us why centering young people remains at the heart of all we do. A huge thank-you to our incredible host Bashel Lewis for bringing joy, energy, and heart to the stage. The celebration continues through our Charitybuzz auction, featuring luxury travel, exclusive wine experiences, and a once-in-a-lifetime theater experience with Door alum @Lorna Courtney, who shared a special video message during the Benefit. Read the recap and learn more about our auction here: https://lnkd.in/ebAdwprV #TogetherWeThrive #TheDoorNYC #BroomeStreetAcademy #YouthDevelopment #NYCYouth

We're looking forward to celebrating the incredible work of The Door and Broome Street Academy Charter High School at tonight's annual benefit Together We Thrive: 2025 Benefit for NYC Youth. We can't wait to join the stage with our talented Door youth performers, Change Maker Honoree Javier Muñoz, Founder's Award Honoree Pinterest, and Host Bashel Lewis. Thank you to Lorna A. Courtney , former Door member, the original Juliet in Broadway’s hit musical & Juliet, and currently Veronica in Heathers, for stopping by yesterday to support our Door artists ahead of their big night! If you're unable to attend, there's still time to support The Door and Broome Street Academy by visiting www.door.org/donate. #TogetherWeThrive #DoorNYC #NYCYouth #BSA #NYCyouth

We’re proud to stand beside Joel, Mouctar, and Dylan, and so many young people navigating fear, uncertainty, and systems that too often fail to see their humanity. As The New York Times reports, schools and community organizations across New York have become lifelines for immigrant youth—places where teachers, neighbors, and advocates come together to protect and uplift young people in moments of crisis. At The Door, we’re honored to be part of that circle of care—providing legal advocacy, mental-health counseling, education, and belonging for Joel, Mouctar, and so many others. We proudly stand together with our partners to ensure that no young person faces these challenges alone. Click here to read the full story: https://lnkd.in/e2CsYh8m Pictured: Joel and Elvia by Diana Cervantes, and Mouctar by Ahmed Gaber. #DoorNYC #LegalServices