Los Angeles Teen Creates App on Immigrant Rights

8th grader Julian Miramontes wins national app challenge with 'Know Your Rights' app

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Julian Miramontes, a 14-year-old 8th grader at El Sereno Middle School in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, has won a national app challenge for creating an app called 'Know Your Rights' that teaches people about their rights when encountering federal immigration agents. The app, which Miramontes developed with the help of his STEM teacher, outlines key information and quizzes users to reinforce their understanding.

Why it matters

The app addresses a pressing issue in the Boyle Heights community, where Miramontes saw the effects of immigration raids firsthand. By creating an accessible resource to educate people on their rights, Miramontes is empowering his community and fulfilling the goal of the national app challenge to solve real-world problems.

The details

Miramontes' 'Know Your Rights' app won the national app challenge in California's 34th Congressional District, earning him a $250 prize. The app outlines key information people should know, such as which amendment protects the right to remain silent when detained, and then reinforces that understanding through quizzes. Miramontes said he wanted to create a resource that was easily accessible so people could quickly learn about their rights.

  • Miramontes created the app while in 8th grade at El Sereno Middle School in Boyle Heights.

The players

Julian Miramontes

A 14-year-old 8th grader at El Sereno Middle School in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles who created the 'Know Your Rights' app to educate people on their rights when encountering federal immigration agents.

Enoc Miramontes

Julian Miramontes' father, who expressed pride and joy in seeing his son take the initiative to create an app on a topic that is 'near and dear' to their family.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez

The representative of California's 34th Congressional District, who said Miramontes' app creation fulfills the goal of the national app challenge to recognize the crisis and fears in the neighborhood.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to create a resource that was easily accessible, so people could know their rights in this country. I'm helping out my community in a good way.”

— Julian Miramontes, 8th grader (nbclosangeles.com)

“For us to see that he, on his own, took the initiative of choosing this topic, which is near and dear to us and our family members, it definitely creates a sense of pride and joy for us.”

— Enoc Miramontes, Julian's father (nbclosangeles.com)

“(It) recognizes the crisis and what the fear is in the neighborhood and says, 'OK, what would I want people to have?'”

— Congressman Jimmy Gomez (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

As the winner of the national app challenge, Julian Miramontes will get the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. and meet other winners from across the nation.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of youth to create meaningful solutions to real-world problems in their communities. Julian Miramontes' 'Know Your Rights' app demonstrates how a 14-year-old can leverage technology to empower and educate people on important civil rights issues, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.