A recent AP News report highlights a sharp increase in ICE arrests at immigration court facilities across the U.S. Since May 2025, thousands of migrants—including asylum seekers, legal permanent residents, and those with minor immigration infractions—have been detained either just before or immediately after appearing for scheduled court proceedings AP News

This intensified enforcement is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to expedite deportations, with ICE targeting areas previously considered safe for migrants seeking legal hearings. Agents are often stationed in hallways or outside courtrooms, ready to arrest individuals upon entry or exit from hearings The Guardian.

The practice has disrupted the immigration court system. Many migrants are now hesitant to attend hearings for fear of detention, resulting in missed court dates and unintended self-deportation. Legal advocates warn this undermines due process and discourages families from seeking lawful status AP News.

In response, volunteers—including retirees, students, faith leaders, and attorneys—have mobilized to support migrants at courthouses. They assist by organizing belongings, helping memorize contact numbers, documenting arrests, and guiding families through the process. Their efforts help provide documentation and legal advocacy, aiming to preserve access to court and maintain transparency AP News.

A new class-action lawsuit, filed in the District of Columbia, seeks to halt this practice. Plaintiffs argue that ICE’s presence in courthouses violates the Fifth Amendment’s due process protections and erodes judicial independence. The lawsuit intends to restore the courts as safe spaces for legal proceedings without fear of immediate arrest YouTube.

Advocates highlight the issue across multiple jurisdictions—including Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, Phoenix, Chicago, Miami, and Texas—showing it’s a coordinated nationwide tactic. The arrests frequently occur in hallways, busting the notion that migrants traveling for hearings would be exempt from enforcement AP News.

The Department of Homeland Security has defended the practice. DHS asserted that courthouse arrests are safer and more efficient—since targets are known, screened, and confined to court locations—citing officer safety and logistical convenience AP News.

However, critics contend this policy fundamentally changes the relationship between immigrants and the legal system. They argue it deters individuals from seeking relief through formal channels, effectively punishing those who engage with the justice system. Some term it an “authoritarian misuse” of legal institutions AP News.

Key Points

• Widespread courthouse arrests: ICE has detained thousands at or near immigration courts, often in hallways or immediately after hearings AP News.
• Volunteers step up: Community members, lawyers, and faith groups are assisting migrants with emotional support and documentation AP News.
• Due process concerns: Fear of arrest has led many to skip court, risking default removal; legal challenges are underway AP NewsAP News.
• Government justification: DHS argues arrests within courthouses are safer, more efficient, and less risky for officers AP News.
• Critics warn of chilling effect: Legal advocates say the tactic damages trust, discourages legal filings, and erodes judicial protections AP News
• .

Implications & Outlook

• Legal challenge ahead: The class-action lawsuit could establish a precedent protecting court-access for migrants and limiting domestic enforcement powers.
• Impact on court attendance: Continued arrests may deepen case backlogs as fewer migrants attend hearings, complicating immigration processes.
• Policy scrutiny: Federal judges and legislators may review the legality of courthouse arrests and their alignment with constitutional norms.
• Advocacy momentum: Court-support networks and legal aid groups across the country will likely continue organizing to mitigate the policy’s impact.
• Broader immigration strategy: This enforcement shift demonstrates evolving Trump-era tactics aimed at aggressive interior immigration measures.

A recent AP News report highlights a sharp increase in ICE arrests at immigration court facilities across the U.S. Since May 2025, thousands of migrants—including asylum seekers, legal permanent residents, and those with minor immigration infractions—have been detained either just before or immediately after appearing for scheduled court proceedings AP News This intensified enforcement is