ICE Intensifies Arrests at Immigration Courts as Part of Rapid Deportation Strategy

In a move that has caught the attention of immigrant rights organizations across the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased the number of arrests of immigrants outside immigration court hearings. In just the first few days of this week, at least 50 arrests were reported in cities including Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Maryland.

According to confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Univision News, these arrests are part of a new federal government tactic to accelerate deportation processes under the expedited removal scheme. This strategy allows for the expulsion of immigrants without a court hearing, unless they can demonstrate a credible fear of persecution or harm upon returning to their home country.

Also read: “DHS Releases List of Sanctuary Cities Not Complying with Immigration Law”

What Does Expedited Removal Mean?

Expedited removal is a procedure that authorizes the immediate deportation of individuals who cannot prove they have been continuously residing in the U.S. for the past two years. This measure was expanded by DHS in early 2025, removing previous geographic restrictions such as the 100-mile limit from the border and the 14-day timeframe following entry into the country.

Now, the policy can be applied anywhere in the U.S., raising concerns among human rights advocates and legal experts, who warn of potential violations of due process.

Arrests After Canceled Hearings

According to multiple reports, many of the immigrants arrested had no criminal records and were complying with their legal obligation to attend court hearings. In several cases, judges dismissed the proceedings at the request of government attorneys, citing “changed circumstances” or “lack of interest in litigation.”

One case reported by the AP involved Juan Serrano, a Colombian immigrant who was arrested outside a Miami court after his hearing was dismissed. Five ICE agents were waiting for him at the courthouse door. Similar incidents occurred in other cities, such as Phoenix, where the judge canceled multiple cases in a single session.

Reactions and Consequences

Organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Immigrant Defense Project have voiced concern over the implementation of this strategy. According to AILA, these actions could discourage immigrants from appearing in court, potentially undermining the immigration justice system.

AILA President Kelli Stump warned that using courts as traps for arrest undermines trust in the judicial system: “People are fulfilling their legal obligations by showing up to court, only to be arrested upon leaving. This erodes due process and turns the courts into extensions of the deportation apparatus.”

Additionally, there have been reports of people being detained even when accompanied by their children or while seeking legal representation. This has prompted calls for immigrants to be informed of and exercise their legal rights, such as the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer before signing any documents.

Conclusion

The increased arrests at immigration courts represent a significant shift in how deportations are being conducted in the United States. While federal authorities claim the measure is aimed at streamlining the process, civil organizations and legal experts highlight potential risks to due process and the legal security of migrants.

From: https://www.univision.com/noticias/inmigracion/agentes-ice-arrestan-inmigrantes-cuando-salen-citas-cortes-todo-el-pais 

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