Taneeza Islam, J.D., CEO of South Dakota Justice For Peace; Jerry Miller, J.D., private general attorney; Joy Moore, J.D., adjunct law professor at the Knudson School of Law; and Heidi Oligmueller, J.D., private immigration attorney; served on the panel moderated by Shirley Ortega, a second year law student and the president of the Latinx Law Student Association.

“I think this event was incredibly important for the USD community because the panel created a space for informed discussion rather than fear or speculation,” said Ortega. “In the current climate, immigration enforcement is not just a policy issue; it affects real people, including students.”

Professor Tom Simmons, J.D., teaches trusts and estates at the Knudson School of Law and advises some of the sponsoring student organizations. He believes the panel provided thought-provoking views and information to every person in attendance. 

“We had a nice cross-section of both immigration defense attorneys, as well as a former sheriff and state’s attorney to offer different perspectives. I think that the variety of voices makes for a more interesting and instructive exchange of ideas,” said Simmons. “Students learned about complex and evolving law and also were able to witness different career opportunities for lawyers among the panelists, as well as opportunities to practice pro bono or otherwise in a field they may not have previously considered. I noticed a few undergraduates and non-law students in the audience, and maybe this kind of event could be the basis for a decision to apply to law school.”

Simmons sees the event as evidence of how USD students are regularly engaged in public conversation.

“Although students are tasked with heavy assignments and almost endless readings, they still find time to get outside their study-carrel and participate in legal discussions and events that affect individuals and communities,” said Simmons. “Eighteen student organizations sponsored the ‘ICE & the Law’ panel. We are fortunate to have such a lively and thoughtful student body.”

For Ortega, the event went beyond academia, touching on personal identity.

“As someone of Latinx heritage, immigration enforcement is not an abstract topic. It touches communities that look like mine,” said Ortega. “Moderating this event required balancing professionalism with personal awareness of the real-world impact these policies can have. Helping guide a conversation about ICE in a way that centered the law, respected lived experiences and encouraged thoughtful engagement was both an honor and a responsibility.”

The event was sponsored by the following student organizations:

  • American Constitution Society
  • Black Law Students Association
  • Environmental Law Society
  • Family Law and Children’s Advocacy Group
  • First Generation Law Society
  • Health Law Society
  • LatinX Law Student Association
  • Native American Law Student Association
  • OutLAWS
  • Public Interest Network
  • RD Hurd Pro Bono Legal Society
  • Saint Thomas More Society 
  • South Dakota Law Review
  • Student Bar Association
  • Trial Team
  • Wellness Advocacy Project
  • Women in Law
  • Moot Court
  • Criminal Justice Society
Press Contact
Alissa Matt
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