Durham City Council approves $200,000 amendment to immigrant legal-assistance contract

The Durham City Council on Feb. 24 unanimously authorized the city manager to sign a first amendment to an FY2026 grant agreement for an immigrant legal-assistance project, adding $200,000 and bringing the contract total to $450,000.

The decision followed public comment from Victoria Peterson, an activist who said residents want clarity about which organizations are receiving funds and how money is being spent. "Al parecer han recibido más de $200,000 y yo no sé si un presupuesto desglosado refleje el dinero que se le han proporcionado a individuos," Peterson told the council, urging transparency about partner organizations.

A second public speaker supported the program as a due-process issue and urged an open procurement process so additional organizations could apply to provide services. After comments, a councilmember moved to authorize the amendment for Justice Murers Incorporated; the clerk opened and closed the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The funding expands local legal representation resources for immigrants facing immigration-related legal challenges. Public commenters pressed the council to ensure the process is transparent and accessible to a range of community organizations.

What was decided: The council approved the manager's authority to sign the amendment for $200,000, for a contract total of $450,000 with Justice Murers Incorporated. The motion was promoted, seconded and approved unanimously.

What happens next: The manager will execute the amendment and staff will administer the expanded contract; speakers asked the council to report back on which organizations receive funds and how those funds are distributed.

Quotation: "Si ustedes quieren proporcionarle acceso a las personas, asesora0legal, excelente idea," a public commenter said, urging an open, transparent process.