Key Takeaways
• On May 31, 2025, Congressman Dan Goldman confronted ICE agents detaining immigrants at 290 Broadway, NYC.
• ICE ramped up arrests near immigration courts using expedited removals, affecting asylum seekers with no criminal records.
• Legal advocates and officials condemn these tactics, urging congressional oversight to protect due process rights.
On May 31, 2025, a tense scene unfolded in the heart of Manhattan. Congressman Dan Goldman, representing New York, confronted masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as they detained immigrants—including asylum seekers—right in the lobby of his district office at 290 Broadway. This direct encounter, witnessed by staff and community members, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. The incident highlights a sharp escalation in ICE arrests at or near immigration court hearings, raising urgent questions about due process, community trust, and the future of asylum protections.
ICE Arrests Surge at New York City Hearings
In recent weeks, New York City has seen a marked increase in ICE arrests targeting migrants, including those with no criminal records and individuals actively seeking asylum. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, this surge is part of a broader enforcement strategy under the Trump administration, which has expanded the use of “expedited removals” and increased daily arrest quotas for ICE agents.
ICE agents have been detaining people at or near immigration courts and government buildings, sometimes immediately after their cases are dismissed by immigration judges. These actions have not only alarmed immigrant communities but have also drawn strong criticism from elected officials and legal advocates.
Congressman Dan Goldman Confronts ICE Agents
Congressman Dan Goldman’s confrontation with ICE agents on May 31 was not just a symbolic gesture. He publicly condemned the arrests, calling them “an attack on due process and a threat to the safety and trust of our communities.” Goldman’s office, located at 290 Broadway, has become a focal point for both advocacy and protest as families and legal representatives seek answers about the fate of those detained.
Goldman’s statement called for immediate oversight and accountability, urging Congress to investigate ICE’s conduct and the broader policy changes that have enabled these aggressive tactics. His actions have brought national attention to the issue, sparking debate about the balance between immigration enforcement and the rights of asylum seekers.
Escalation of Enforcement: What’s Changed?
Shift in ICE Policy
A recently leaked ICE directive confirms a major shift in enforcement strategy. Agents are now actively targeting immigrants at or near immigration courts, including those who have not yet filed for asylum or have pending cases. In many instances, immigration judges—acting at ICE’s request—have dismissed cases, stripping individuals of judicial protections and making it easier for ICE to place them into expedited removal.
What Is Expedited Removal?
Expedited removal is a process that allows ICE to detain and deport individuals without a full court hearing if they are found ineligible for relief or have not filed required applications. This means that many asylum seekers, especially those without legal representation, can be removed from the United States 🇺🇸 quickly, often without the chance to fully present their claims.
On April 11, 2025, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) issued a memorandum encouraging judges to “pretermit” (deny without a hearing) asylum applications that do not clearly state a valid claim. This policy further limits procedural protections for asylum seekers and increases the risk of wrongful deportations.
Real-Life Impact: Families and Individuals at Risk
The consequences of these policy changes are not abstract. On May 29, 2025, a family—a mother, father, and young child—was detained by ICE at the Denver Immigration Court immediately after their removal case was dismissed. Stories like this are becoming more common, especially in cities like New York, where ICE has ramped up enforcement at court hearings and government offices.
Key facts:
– 6.1 million people are currently on the non-detained immigration docket in the United States 🇺🇸, nearly double the number from 2020.
– Of these, about 1.2 million have final orders of removal but have not been deported.
– Multiple sources confirm a significant uptick in ICE enforcement actions at New York City courts and government buildings since mid-May 2025.
Stakeholder Responses: Condemnation and Defense
Elected Officials Speak Out
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has joined Congressman Dan Goldman in condemning ICE’s actions. She described the arrests as a violation of due process and a threat to community trust, warning that such tactics could deter immigrants from attending court hearings or seeking legal relief.
Trump Administration’s Position
The Trump administration, along with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE leadership, defends the new policies as necessary for national security and immigration control. Officials argue that increased enforcement is needed to address the growing backlog of removal orders and to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
Legal Advocacy Groups
Organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) strongly oppose the new enforcement tactics. They warn that these actions erode due process, increase fear in immigrant communities, and may lead to wrongful deportations of individuals with valid claims.
How ICE Arrests at Hearings Now Unfold
The new enforcement strategy has changed the experience of attending an immigration court hearing or check-in. Here’s how the process often works:
- Scheduled Appearance: Individuals attend a scheduled court hearing or check-in, often as part of their asylum or removal proceedings.
- ICE Presence: ICE agents, sometimes wearing masks, wait in or near the courthouse or government building.
- Detention: Agents detain individuals, sometimes immediately after a judge dismisses their case at ICE’s request.
- Expedited Removal: Detained individuals may be processed for expedited removal, often without a full hearing.
- In Absentia Orders: If someone misses a hearing out of fear of arrest, a removal order is issued in absentia, making it easier for ICE to deport them.
Legal Recourse: What Can Immigrants Do?
Legal representation is now more important than ever. Attorneys can file emergency motions or habeas petitions to challenge detention or removal, but these options are limited and time-sensitive. Without a lawyer, many immigrants may not know their rights or how to respond if detained.
Practical steps for those at risk:
– Contact a qualified immigration attorney as soon as possible.
– Know your rights at court hearings and check-ins.
– Have a safety plan in case of detention, including emergency contacts and legal documents.
For more information on legal rights and resources, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website.
Erosion of “Safe Spaces” and Community Trust
One of the most troubling effects of the new enforcement strategy is the erosion of so-called “safe spaces.” In the past, immigration courts and USCIS offices were generally considered off-limits for enforcement actions, allowing immigrants to attend hearings and check-ins without fear of arrest. That is no longer the case.
As a result, many immigrants are now afraid to appear for scheduled hearings, increasing the risk of in absentia removal orders. This not only undermines the legal process but also makes it easier for ICE to deport individuals without a full review of their cases.
Multiple Perspectives: A Divided Debate
The debate over ICE arrests at court hearings and the treatment of asylum seekers is deeply divided. Here’s how different stakeholders view the issue:
- Congressman Dan Goldman: Condemns ICE arrests at hearings, calls for oversight and protection of due process.
- Governor Kathy Hochul: Opposes ICE actions in New York, warns of harm to community trust and legal rights.
- Trump Administration: Defends increased enforcement as necessary for security and law enforcement.
- Legal Advocates (AILA, ACLU): Warn of due process violations, urge legal representation and litigation.
- Immigrant Communities: Report increased fear, confusion, and reluctance to attend hearings or seek relief.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Previous Policies
Under the Biden administration, ICE enforcement was deprioritized for non-criminal immigrants and those with pending asylum claims. Courts and government offices were generally respected as safe spaces, and the focus was on individuals with criminal records or national security concerns.
The Current Shift
The Trump administration has reversed these policies, expanding expedited removal, increasing daily arrest quotas, and targeting even those with pending cases or no criminal history. This shift has led to a dramatic increase in ICE arrests at court hearings and government offices, especially in major cities like New York.
Legal Challenges
Advocacy groups have filed lawsuits challenging the use of the Alien Enemies Act and the expansion of expedited removal. They argue that these actions exceed executive authority and violate statutory and constitutional protections.
The Human Cost: Stories from the Community
For many immigrants and asylum seekers, the new enforcement tactics have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Families are afraid to attend court hearings, worried that they could be separated or deported without warning. Legal advocates report that even those with strong asylum claims are being detained and placed into expedited removal, often without the chance to present their case.
Community organizations and legal clinics are overwhelmed with requests for help, as more people seek advice on how to protect themselves and their families. The need for clear information and skilled legal representation has never been greater.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Ongoing Developments
Continued Enforcement Escalation
Unless checked by litigation or congressional action, ICE is expected to continue aggressive enforcement at courts and government offices, particularly in major cities like New York. The Trump administration has made clear that it intends to pursue these policies as part of its broader immigration agenda.
Pending Litigation
Lawsuits challenging the legality of these enforcement tactics and the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act are ongoing. There is potential for court-ordered limitations or reversals, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Congressional Oversight
Members of Congress, including Congressman Dan Goldman, are calling for hearings and investigations into ICE’s conduct and the impact on due process and community safety. The outcome of these efforts could shape the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.
Resources and Practical Guidance
If you or someone you know is affected by recent ICE enforcement actions, the following resources can help:
- ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line: 1-888-351-4024
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): www.aila.org
- New York Immigration Coalition: www.nyic.org
- Lear Immigration Law, PC: www.learimmigration.com
- Congressman Dan Goldman’s Office: 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007 | (212) 257-4177 | goldman.house.gov
- Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office: Contact
Actionable Takeaways
- If you have a pending immigration case, seek legal advice immediately.
- Do not skip scheduled court hearings or check-ins, but have a safety plan in place.
- Stay informed about your rights and recent policy changes.
- Contact advocacy organizations for support and guidance.
Conclusion
The recent confrontation between Congressman Dan Goldman and ICE agents in New York City has brought national attention to the growing crisis facing asylum seekers and immigrant communities. As ICE arrests increase at court hearings and government offices, the stakes for due process, family unity, and community trust have never been higher. The Trump administration’s policies have expanded expedited removals and increased arrest quotas, drawing condemnation from state officials, legal advocates, and immigrant communities alike.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation remains highly fluid, with ongoing litigation and calls for congressional oversight likely to shape future developments. For those affected, staying informed, seeking legal help, and knowing your rights are the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during these uncertain times.
Learn Today
Expedited Removal → A process allowing ICE to deport individuals quickly without a full court hearing.
Immigration Court → A legal venue where immigration cases, including asylum claims, are heard and decided.
Due Process → Legal requirement ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system before depriving rights.
Asylum Seeker → An immigrant requesting protection from persecution or harm in their home country.
In Absentia Removal → Deportation order issued when an individual misses a court hearing without representation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Congressman Dan Goldman confronted ICE agents detaining immigrants at his NYC office, spotlighting aggressive enforcement rising at court hearings. Expedited removals now threaten asylum seekers’ rights, sparking legal challenges and calls for congressional oversight amid fears of widespread wrongful deportations in major U.S. cities.
— By VisaVerge.com
