Key Takeaways
• ICE detains immigrants immediately after court hearings via expedited removal nationwide starting May 2025.
• Over 3.7 million deportation cases backlog leads ICE to dismiss cases for arrivals under two years.
• Advocates warn tactic denies due process, deters court attendance, and creates fear in immigrant communities.
Federal immigration enforcement has taken a sharp turn in 2025, with a new tactic by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) drawing national attention and sparking protests in Washington State and beyond. On May 20–21, ICE agents were seen in the hallways of the Seattle immigration court, detaining at least three individuals immediately after their hearings. This move is part of a broader, nationwide operation targeting undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. The approach involves dismissing active court cases and placing individuals into expedited removal, a process that can lead to deportation within hours and bypasses further judicial review.
This development has alarmed immigrant rights advocates, attorneys, and community groups, who argue that the tactic undermines basic fairness and due process. As ICE expands this operation to cities like Seattle, Northern California, and Phoenix, the impact on immigrants, their families, and the justice system is coming under intense scrutiny.
What Is the New ICE Tactic?
The new ICE strategy centers on expedited removal, a process that allows for the rapid deportation of certain undocumented immigrants without a full hearing before an immigration judge. Under this approach, ICE attorneys move to dismiss active cases in immigration court for those who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. Once the case is dismissed, ICE agents—often waiting in the hallways or just outside the courtroom—immediately detain the individual. The person is then placed into expedited removal proceedings, which can result in deportation within hours or days.
Key steps in the process:
1. Immigrant attends scheduled court hearing.
2. ICE attorney requests dismissal of the case.
3. After dismissal, the individual loses court protection.
4. ICE agents detain the person immediately after the hearing.
5. The individual is placed in expedited removal, often without further court review.
This tactic marks a significant shift from previous practices, where most undocumented immigrants would have their cases fully heard in immigration court, with the chance to present evidence and seek legal relief.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The roots of this policy go back to 2017, when President Trump expanded the use of expedited removal nationwide for undocumented immigrants present in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. Previously, expedited removal was limited to those caught within 14 days of entry and within 100 miles of the border. In 2025, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have begun aggressively implementing this expanded authority, focusing on recent arrivals and aiming to reduce the massive backlog in immigration courts.
As of January 2025, there are over 3.7 million pending deportation cases in U.S. immigration courts, with 1.2 million new cases added in the past year alone. The average wait for a hearing now exceeds three years. ICE sources say the new tactic is designed to speed up removals and ease the burden on the court system, especially for those who have not committed other crimes.
What Happened in Seattle?
On May 21, 2025, at least three individuals were detained by ICE at the Seattle immigration court after their cases were dismissed. Agents were visibly present in the hallways, and similar operations took place in other cities, including Northern California and Phoenix. This visible presence of ICE in and around the court has caused fear and confusion among immigrants and their families.
Washington State law bars local law enforcement from working with ICE, but federal agents have full authority within federal buildings, such as immigration courts. This means ICE can operate freely in these spaces, even as state and local officials try to limit their reach elsewhere.
Community Response: Protests and Legal Support
The new ICE tactic has triggered a strong response from immigrant rights advocates, attorneys, and protesters. Outside the Seattle immigration court, groups have gathered to warn attendees, offer legal support, and protest what they call “cruelty disguised as policy.” Many fear that the threat of immediate detention will discourage immigrants from attending their court hearings, which could lead to more people being ordered removed in their absence.
Key concerns raised by advocates:
– Due process violations: By dismissing cases and detaining individuals on the spot, ICE is accused of denying immigrants their right to a fair hearing and legal representation.
– Deterrence effect: The fear of arrest may keep people from showing up to court, increasing the risk of in absentia removal orders.
– Community impact: The tactic is creating fear and mistrust among immigrant communities, making people less likely to seek help or engage with the legal system.
Matt Adams, legal director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, explained that expedited removal can result in deportation within hours, with no chance for judicial review. “People are being taken away before they even have a chance to explain their situation,” he said.
Legal and Policy Implications
The use of expedited removal in this way has raised serious legal questions. Expedited removal is a process that allows immigration officers to deport certain undocumented immigrants quickly, without a hearing before a judge. While it was originally intended for people caught near the border soon after entry, its expansion means that anyone who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years can now be targeted, no matter where they live.
Due process concerns: Many legal experts and organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), argue that this tactic violates basic principles of fairness. Kelli Stump, president of AILA, called it a “flagrant betrayal of basic fairness and due process,” warning that it undermines the justice system and deters people from complying with court requirements.
Legal representation gap: The situation is made worse by the fact that 67% of people in deportation proceedings lack legal counsel, and 79% of those ordered removed in the past year had no attorney. Without a lawyer, it is much harder for immigrants to understand their rights or fight their cases.
Court system impact: The tactic may reduce the court backlog in the short term, but experts warn it could also make the system less effective. If people are too afraid to attend court, more cases will end in removal orders by default, and the system will become more punitive rather than just.
Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholder Views
The new ICE tactic has sparked debate among a wide range of stakeholders, each with their own perspective:
- ICE and DHS: Officials say the tactic is necessary to speed up removals and reduce the court backlog, especially for recent arrivals who have not committed other crimes.
- Immigration attorneys: Condemn the approach as a violation of due process and a deterrent to court compliance.
- Immigrant rights groups: Argue it creates fear, undermines justice, and targets vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers.
- Protesters and community members: Are mobilizing at courts to warn and support immigrants, calling for the policy to be reversed.
- State officials: Some, like Arizona Governor Hobbs, support deporting criminals but oppose indiscriminate roundups and due process violations, reflecting a split in official views.
How Does Expedited Removal Work?
Expedited removal is a fast-track deportation process that allows immigration officers to remove certain undocumented immigrants without a hearing before an immigration judge. The process was originally limited to people caught near the border, but now applies nationwide to anyone who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years.
Key features of expedited removal:
– No court hearing: The person does not get a full hearing before a judge.
– Limited review: There is little or no opportunity to present evidence or seek legal relief.
– Rapid deportation: Deportation can happen within hours or days.
– Appeal rights: There are very limited rights to appeal or challenge the decision.
For more information on expedited removal and related procedures, readers can visit the official ICE website.
Real-Life Impact: Stories from the Court
The new tactic has real consequences for individuals and families. On May 21, 2025, three people were detained at the Seattle immigration court after their cases were dismissed. Advocates say these individuals had come to court as required, hoping to resolve their cases, only to be detained and placed in expedited removal.
One attorney described how a client, who had fled violence in their home country and sought asylum, was detained immediately after their hearing. “They didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to their family,” the attorney said. “This is not how justice is supposed to work.”
Community groups like the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and the WA Immigrant Solidarity Network have been on the ground, offering support and information to those at risk. They warn that the fear created by these tactics is spreading, with many immigrants now afraid to attend court or seek help.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The current situation is the result of years of policy changes and growing court backlogs. Expedited removal was first introduced in the 1990s, but its use was limited. In 2017, President Trump expanded it nationwide for those present less than two years, a move that was controversial at the time. Since then, the number of pending cases in immigration court has soared, reaching over 3.7 million in 2025.
Recent policy changes have further prioritized rapid deportation and increased ICE presence at immigration courts. Mandatory detention has also been expanded, even for minor offenses. These changes have made the system more punitive and less accessible for many immigrants.
What Are the Risks and Concerns?
Due process and fairness: The biggest concern is that people are being denied their right to a fair hearing. Many immigrants have valid claims for asylum or other relief, but expedited removal gives them little chance to present their case.
Deterrence and fear: The visible presence of ICE at immigration courts may keep people from attending their hearings, leading to more in absentia removal orders. This undermines the integrity of the court system and makes it harder for people to resolve their cases.
Community trust: The tactic is eroding trust between immigrant communities and the justice system. Advocates report increased anxiety and reluctance to engage with legal processes, which can have long-term effects on public safety and community well-being.
Legal representation: With most people in deportation proceedings lacking legal counsel, the risk of wrongful deportation is high. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the lack of attorneys makes it much harder for immigrants to understand their rights or fight their cases.
What Happens Next?
Advocates and attorneys expect ICE operations at immigration courts to continue and possibly expand. Protests and legal challenges are likely, with lawsuits already underway to challenge the constitutionality of these tactics, especially regarding due process and the right to a hearing.
The debate is also fueling renewed calls for bipartisan immigration reform and increased legal representation for immigrants. Many experts argue that the system needs to be fairer and more accessible, with better protections for vulnerable populations.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is affected by these changes, there are resources available:
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Offers legal support and information. Contact George Tzamaras at 202-507-7649 or [email protected], and Belle Woods at 202-507-7675 or [email protected].
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project: Provides legal support and advocacy in Washington State.
- WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN): Offers resources and policy updates for affected communities.
- Vera Institute of Justice: Tracks data and trends on legal representation in immigration courts.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): For official statements and case status, visit the ICE website.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Families
- Attend all scheduled court hearings unless advised otherwise by a trusted attorney. Failing to appear can result in an automatic removal order.
- Seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Having an attorney greatly increases your chances of a fair outcome.
- Stay informed about your rights and the latest policy changes. Community organizations can provide updates and support.
- Be cautious around immigration courts if you are at risk. Talk to advocates or legal groups before attending hearings.
Conclusion
ICE’s new tactic of dismissing immigration court cases and immediately detaining individuals for expedited removal has changed the landscape of immigration enforcement in Seattle and across the United States 🇺🇸. While officials argue it is necessary to reduce court backlogs and speed up removals, advocates warn it undermines due process, creates fear, and puts vulnerable people at risk. As protests, legal challenges, and policy debates continue, the future of immigration enforcement and the rights of those caught in the system remain uncertain.
For those affected, staying informed, seeking legal help, and connecting with community resources are more important than ever. The situation is evolving, and the actions taken now will shape the future of immigration justice in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Expedited Removal → Fast deportation process allowing removal without full immigration court hearing or appeal opportunity.
Due Process → Legal right ensuring fair treatment through judicial procedures before deprivation of rights or liberty.
Immigration Court → Federal court where immigration cases are heard to decide removal or relief eligibility.
Deportation → The formal removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws.
Legal Representation → Assistance provided by an attorney to defend and guide individuals through legal proceedings.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, ICE began detaining immigrants right after court hearings via expedited removal, sparking protests and legal concerns over due process violations nationwide, especially in Seattle’s immigration courts.
— By VisaVerge.com
