Migrants are being detained by immigration agents in courthouse hallways nationwide, sometimes moments after pleading their cases, raising alarm among attorneys and advocates who say the practice is turning immigration courts from places of due process into zones of fear. It’s the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to accelerate the pace of immigration arrests and target migrants, including some who have been in the country for less than two years. The courthouse arrests have stunned immigration attorneys, advocates and lawmakers who argue it punishes people who are following the rules. The Department of Homeland Security recently rescinded long-held guidance that had limited immigration enforcement in or near courthouses. Trump officials have argued the guidance hampered the ability of immigration enforcement officers to apprehend dangerous individuals, deferring to agents’ “common sense” when making arrests near what have been known as “sensitive locations.” “The ability of law enforcement to make arrests of criminal illegal aliens in courthouses is common sense,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a news release. But internal documents obtained by CNN show the enforcement push is much broader, beyond just people deemed dangerous — and focused on migrants who are still in immigration proceedings but not in detention, known as the non-detained docket. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been directed to swiftly apprehend immigrants who have been ordered removed or whose cases have been dismissed, according to the internal documents obtained by CNN. Those who have been in the United States for less than two years should be placed in fast-track deportation proceedings, according to the documents. President Donald Trump expanded the process known as expedited removal earlier this year, applying it to anyone who has resided in the country for less than two years. Under the new procedures, agents can coordinate directly with court staff to identify, locate and detain migrants — often with little warning. “It gets crazy when they [ICE] show up,” said one staff member at an immigration court in Hyattsville, Maryland. Asked about the courthouse arrests, a senior DHS spokesperson said, “Secretary [Kristi] Noem is reversing Biden’s catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This Administration is once again implementing the rule of law.” “ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been. If they have a valid credible fear claim, they will continue in immigration proceedings, but if no valid claim is found, aliens will be subject to a swift deportation,” the spokesperson continued. In Phoenix, viral videos showed agents arresting immigrants outside courthouses and in public spaces. And in Maryland, a migrant was placed in handcuffs and restraints in the hallway of the Hyattsville immigration court and escorted out of the building, according to a video shared with CNN. Similar courthouse arrests have occurred in states such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York and California, CNN has confirmed. Critics warn that this practice threatens due process, deters migrants from attending hearings, and undermines the integrity of the immigration system. In a post on X, Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona criticized the ICE arrests in Phoenix, calling them “chaos that doesn’t bring any more security” and saying they discourage court attendance, making the immigration system “less efficient — not more.” Enforcement in and near courthouses has historically been discouraged and generally avoided among immigration enforcement officers — and allowed only in limited circumstances. “I don’t know that any policy ever expressly covered immigration courts, because the idea of arresting people at an immigration court is bizarre and historically only happens if someone violated the terms of their release,” said John Sandweg, former acting ICE director under the Obama administration. There are nearly 4 million immigration cases pending, based on data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, 1.8 million new deportation cases were filed. Most migrants in those cases are not in detention, which helps explains why the Trump administration — which is eager to boost its deportation numbers — is targeting migrants for arrest when they show up in court. The arrestees have included migrants like Dylan, a 20-year-old Bronx high school student from Venezuela, who was detained by ICE after his routine hearing in an immigration court in lower Manhattan. He had no criminal record. Dylan’s attorneys told CNN he completed high school in Venezuela but enrolled at Ellis Preparatory Academy in the Bronx to prepare for college. The Department of Homeland Security has said he entered the US illegally, was released under the Biden administration, and was arrested on May 21 for expedited removal proceedings. Immigration attorney Rachel Girod recounted the case of a client with no criminal record who was arrested outside the Baltimore Immigration Court. In 2024, he showed up for a routine ICE check-in, but officers told him they weren’t taking appointments that day and instructed him to return in 2025. An officer wrote the new date on a scrap of paper, which the client brought home, Girod said. ICE later concluded that he had missed his 2024 check-in and flagged him for removal. Girod said it appears the agency never recorded the rescheduled date, since it was only written down by hand and not entered into their system. When he was detained, he no longer had the paper to prove what he’d been told. Her client was later arrested and taken to the George Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore, where advocacy groups say conditions are poor. Another of Girod’s clients was detained following an asylum hearing and sent to a detention center in Louisiana. In the past four months, she said at least four of her clients have been detained by ICE — either following routine check-ins or after appearing in court. Attorney Adam Crandell said that while none of his clients have been arrested in court, some have been detained during ICE check-ins. “People who have been following the court rules, including those without legal representation, are being arrested outside courtrooms,” said Kelli Stump, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “This tactic is not only morally wrong, but also self-defeating,” Stump added. According to Sarah Rogerson, a professor at Albany Law School and founder of its Immigration Law Clinic, these tactics have also occurred at state courts. Migrants appearing for civil matters, including domestic violence or custody cases, are increasingly being arrested. “When immigrants fear arrest by ICE, they may avoid court altogether — even when seeking protection,” Rogerson said. CNN’s Dianne Gallagher and Polo Sandoval contributed to this report.
ICE targets migrants for arrest at courthouses as Trump administration intensifies deportation push
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"ICE Increases Courthouse Arrests of Migrants Amid Trump Administration's Deportation Efforts"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In recent months, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have ramped up arrests of migrants at courthouses across the United States, prompting significant concern among legal advocates and lawmakers. This new practice, which involves detaining individuals immediately after they have appeared in court, is seen as a shift from a system designed to uphold due process to one that instills fear in migrants seeking legal recourse. The Trump administration's decision to rescind prior guidance that limited enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as courthouses, has allowed ICE to target not only those deemed dangerous but also migrants who are still navigating the immigration process. Internal documents reveal that agents are now instructed to swiftly apprehend individuals who have either been ordered removed or whose cases have been dismissed, with a focus on those who have been in the U.S. for less than two years, thus accelerating the deportation process significantly. This has raised alarms about the potential chilling effect on migrants' willingness to attend court hearings and seek legal protections, as many fear that their presence could lead to detention.
Critics of the new enforcement tactics argue that such actions undermine the integrity of the immigration system and threaten the rights of individuals who are attempting to comply with legal procedures. For instance, various cases have emerged where individuals without criminal records have been detained after routine court appearances or check-ins, leaving their advocates and families in distress. The ongoing enforcement strategy has sparked debates among immigration attorneys, with some expressing concern that it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those seeking asylum or other forms of legal relief. The situation is further complicated by the fact that nearly four million immigration cases are pending in the system, making the stakes even higher for those involved. As enforcement actions continue to unfold, many fear that the practice could deter migrants from attending necessary court hearings, ultimately compromising their chances for fair legal consideration and protection under U.S. law.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the troubling trend of immigration arrests occurring within courthouses, a practice that raises significant concerns among legal advocates and communities. It discusses how the Trump administration has intensified its deportation efforts, particularly targeting migrants who are still undergoing legal processes. This shift in policy has led to fears of creating an environment of intimidation rather than one of due process within the judicial system.
Implications for Migrants and Legal Processes
The practice of making arrests in courthouses is framed as a logical enforcement action by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, critics argue that this undermines the integrity of the judicial process, as it punishes individuals who are complying with legal proceedings. The decision to rescind previous guidelines limiting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as courthouses, reflects a broader strategy aimed at expediting deportations and increasing surveillance of vulnerable populations.
Community Response and Potential Backlash
The article indicates that this policy is likely to create a climate of fear among migrants, potentially deterring them from seeking legal recourse or appearing in court. This fear could dissuade individuals from pursuing legitimate claims or defending against deportation, thereby undermining their rights and the overall justice system. The response from communities, advocacy groups, and lawmakers is crucial, as they may mobilize to push back against these practices, potentially leading to protests or legal challenges.
Political Context and Broader Effects
This news piece fits into a larger narrative around immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has consistently taken a hardline stance. By framing these arrests as a necessary measure to uphold law and order, the administration seeks to galvanize support from its base while alienating immigrant communities. The implications could extend beyond immediate legal repercussions, potentially influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes in areas where immigration is a contentious issue.
Market and Economic Considerations
While the article primarily discusses legal and social implications, it could also have indirect effects on markets, particularly industries reliant on immigrant labor. If fear of deportation leads to labor shortages in specific sectors, this could impact productivity and economic stability. Investors may closely watch the political developments surrounding immigration policy as they can have significant ramifications on the labor market and, subsequently, on stock performance in certain industries.
Connection to Global Trends
On a global scale, this policy aligns with a rising trend of stricter immigration controls in various countries. It reflects a growing sentiment among some populations that prioritizes national security over humanitarian considerations. This development may influence international relations, especially with countries that have significant migrant populations in the U.S.
The article reflects a high degree of reliability, as it cites internal documents and statements from DHS officials. However, the framing of the issue may lean towards a particular narrative that emphasizes the consequences of these policies on community safety and due process. The language used indicates a strong stance against the current administration's approach, which might be interpreted as manipulative by some readers who favor stricter immigration enforcement.
Given the context and implications discussed, the article serves to inform and engage the public on a crucial issue affecting many lives, potentially driving advocacy and legislative responses.