Renowned Human Rights Defender Peter Schey Dies at 77
Peter Schey, a passionate advocate for the human rights of migrants crossing the Southern border, passed away in Los Angeles on April 2 at the age of 77. His legacy includes landmark legal victories that ensured humane care for undocumented children and the right of migrants to access education and healthcare in states that attempted to deny them these services.
Schey, an immigrant himself from South Africa, ran a small nonprofit legal practice in Los Angeles, where he took on both Democratic and Republican administrations in Washington. One of his most significant achievements was leading the legal team that negotiated the Flores Settlement Agreement in 1997, which protected detained, unaccompanied migrant children. He continued to fight for this cause even when the Trump administration attempted to dismantle the agreement.
In addition to his work on the Flores case, Schey successfully argued against California’s Proposition 187, a voter-passed initiative that aimed to deny social services to undocumented migrants. His victory in this case was seen as a turning point in the rise of Latino voting power in the state.
Throughout his career, Schey remained dedicated to providing legal representation to vulnerable groups who lacked a voice in the face of government actions. His commitment to upholding the rights of immigrants and children had a lasting impact on U.S. immigration policy.
Despite his legal successes, Schey faced challenges in his personal life, including criticism of a group residence he opened for homeless boys in Los Angeles. Despite these difficulties, his legacy as a tireless advocate for human rights and social justice will be remembered by those who worked alongside him.
Schey’s former colleague, Carlos Holguin, described him as a driven and demanding individual who was also remarkably kind and compassionate. His impact on immigration law and advocacy for marginalized communities will continue to be felt for years to come.
