Reports of Children Being Zip-Tied at San Antonio Immigration Court

Key Takeaways

• At least three children were zip-tied and families detained by ICE at San Antonio Immigration Court May 2025.
• ICE uses expedited removal authority to arrest immigrants immediately after court dismissals without hearings.
• Legal challenges arise over the arrests, emphasizing children’s rights and court attendance despite fear.

Reports of Children Zip-Tied at San Antonio Immigration Court Raise Alarms

Recent events at the San Antonio Immigration Court have sparked widespread concern after reports surfaced that children were zip-tied and families detained by ICE officers during scheduled court hearings. These actions, which began in late May 2025, have sent shockwaves through immigrant communities in Texas and beyond, raising urgent questions about legal rights, enforcement tactics, and the treatment of vulnerable children in the immigration system.

Who, What, When, Where, and Why

In the last week of May 2025, multiple families and children attending scheduled hearings at the San Antonio Immigration Court were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. At least three children were reportedly zip-tied on May 29, 2025, as they were taken into custody. The detentions happened immediately after court cases were dismissed, with ICE officers waiting outside the courtroom. Video and photographic evidence, including images shared by Priscilla Oliverez from the Immigration Legal Resource Center, show children and adults being led away in restraints.

These enforcement actions are part of a broader ICE operation that has been ongoing for more than a week, according to local news sources. The operation appears to target immigrants whose cases have just been dismissed, raising questions about the timing and legality of the arrests. The situation has left many families fearful and uncertain about their next steps.

How the Enforcement Actions Unfold

The process reported at the San Antonio Immigration Court follows a specific pattern:

1. Immigrants attend their scheduled court hearings as required.
2. Government attorneys offer to dismiss their cases, which often means the government is not actively seeking removal at that moment.
3. ICE officers immediately detain the individuals as they exit the courtroom, sometimes using zip-ties, including on children.

On May 30, 2025, a particularly distressing scene unfolded when a young boy was seen comforting his mother as she was placed in a detention unit, telling her in Spanish, “Stay calm, mom. I’m here.” KSAT news reporters witnessed at least five people being taken into custody that day alone.

Immigration attorney Keishla McFarlane described the process as feeling like a “trap,” and questioned the legality of these arrests, especially when they involve children and families who have complied with court requirements.

ICE’s Legal Authority and Expedited Removal

ICE officers have confirmed to local media that they do have the authority to arrest immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸 without legal status, even outside of court hearings. This authority is rooted in federal immigration law, which allows ICE to detain individuals who are present in the country without permission.

A key factor in these recent enforcement actions is the use of expedited removal. This process, expanded during the Trump administration, allows ICE to deport certain undocumented immigrants without a hearing before an immigration judge. Expedited removal applies to people who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two continuous years and are found anywhere in the country. Families caught in this process often face immediate detention and are sometimes required to pay large bonds to secure release.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the use of expedited removal has increased the speed and scope of deportations, but it has also raised concerns about due process and the risk of wrongful removal, especially for children and families who may have valid claims to stay in the country.

Impact on Children and Families

The sight of children being zip-tied at the San Antonio Immigration Court has deeply unsettled many in the community. Advocates and attorneys say these actions are traumatizing for children, who may already be struggling with fear and uncertainty about their future in the United States 🇺🇸.

One man whose wife was detained, despite having no criminal record, warned others not to attend their hearings, saying in Spanish, “Les tumba el caso. Es por eso no vengan, por eso te van a llevar,” which means, “They dismiss your case. That’s why don’t come, because they will take you.” This fear is spreading quickly, with some families considering skipping court to avoid detention.

However, immigration attorneys strongly advise against missing court dates. Attorney McFarlane explained, “Not going is not the answer either. Then an automatic deportation hold is put on your record.” If someone fails to appear for their hearing, the judge can issue an in absentia order, which means the person is ordered deported without being present. This can make it much harder to fight removal later.

Legal Protections for Children in Immigration Court

The detention of children, especially with the use of zip-ties, raises serious legal and ethical questions. The Department of Justice issued Director’s Memorandum 24-01 in December 2023, which provides special guidance for handling children’s cases in immigration court. This memo recognizes that children may not be able to understand or explain events in the same way as adults. It instructs judges to use child-sensitive questioning and to be alert for signs of trafficking, abuse, or neglect.

Key points from the memo include:

• Judges must ask who brought the child to court to ensure the child is not being trafficked.
• Special questioning techniques should be used to help children explain their situation.
• Judges must report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or trafficking to the proper authorities.
• In absentia orders (deportation orders issued when someone does not appear in court) should be used carefully in children’s cases, with attention to the reasons for absence.

These guidelines are meant to protect children from harm and ensure their cases are handled fairly. The recent use of zip-ties on children at the San Antonio Immigration Court appears to conflict with the spirit, if not the letter, of these protections.

Legal Rights During ICE Encounters

Despite the current climate, immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 still have certain rights when dealing with ICE officers or other law enforcement. These include:

• The right to remain silent. In Texas, people must provide their name, date of birth, and address if asked, but do not have to answer other questions.
• The right to refuse entry to their home unless ICE has a valid search or arrest warrant signed by a judge.
• The right to hire an attorney. While the government does not provide free lawyers in immigration court, people can hire their own or seek help from legal aid groups.
• The right to request an interpreter during removal proceedings, to ensure they understand what is happening.

For more information about these rights, the American Immigration Lawyers Association provides helpful resources on what to do during an ICE encounter: Know Your Rights.

Legal Challenges and Community Response

The legality of these recent detentions is already being challenged in court. Lawsuits have been filed questioning whether ICE can arrest people immediately after their cases are dismissed, especially when those individuals have complied with all court requirements. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has previously sued the Trump administration to stop the use of expedited removal, arguing that it denies people a fair chance to present their case.

Community organizations and immigrant rights groups are working to inform families about their rights and provide legal support. Many are calling for an end to the detention of children and for ICE to follow established guidelines for handling vulnerable populations.

Broader Immigration Policy Context

These enforcement actions at the San Antonio Immigration Court are happening at a time of major changes and uncertainty in U.S. immigration policy. Several important developments provide context for the current situation:

• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that while protection from deportation under DACA is lawful, work authorization may not be in Texas. This has left many “Dreamers” in legal limbo, unsure if they can continue to work or remain in the country.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): The Supreme Court has allowed the government to end TPS for about 350,000 Venezuelans while legal challenges continue. TPS provides temporary protection from deportation for people from countries facing war or natural disasters.
• Increased enforcement against Dreamers: Reports show that Dreamers without DACA protection are facing more enforcement. One example is Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a 19-year-old who came to the United States 🇺🇸 at age four. She was detained by ICE on May 5, 2025, and released on a $1,500 bond on May 21.

These policy shifts, combined with aggressive enforcement at courts like San Antonio, have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for many immigrant families.

Implications for Stakeholders

The recent events at the San Antonio Immigration Court affect several groups:

• Children: The use of zip-ties and detention can cause trauma and long-term emotional harm. Children may not understand what is happening or why they are being restrained.
• Families: Parents and caregivers face the risk of being separated from their children, sometimes with little warning. This can disrupt family stability and make it harder for children to feel safe.
• Immigrant communities: Fear of detention may discourage people from attending court, even though missing a hearing can lead to automatic deportation. This creates a difficult choice between risking arrest and losing the chance to fight their case.
• Attorneys and advocates: Legal professionals are working to protect their clients’ rights and challenge questionable enforcement tactics. They must also help families understand the risks and consequences of each decision.
• ICE officers: Officers are carrying out federal policy, but their actions are under scrutiny, especially when they involve children and families who have complied with court orders.

What Should Families Do?

Given the risks, families facing immigration proceedings should:

• Continue to attend all scheduled court hearings. Missing court can result in an automatic deportation order.
• Know your rights during ICE encounters. Carry a “Know Your Rights” card and do not answer questions beyond what is legally required.
• Seek legal help. Contact an immigration attorney or local legal aid group for advice. Many organizations offer free or low-cost services.
• Document everything. Keep records of all court dates, interactions with ICE officers, and any paperwork received.
• Stay informed. Follow updates from trusted sources, such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, for the latest information on policies and procedures.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The reports of children being zip-tied at the San Antonio Immigration Court highlight the urgent need for clear, humane, and lawful immigration enforcement. While ICE officers have broad authority, the treatment of children and families must follow established legal guidelines and respect basic human rights. As legal challenges move forward and community organizations respond, it is important for affected families to stay informed, know their rights, and seek legal support.

VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that the current enforcement climate is creating fear and confusion, but also opportunities for legal advocacy and community action. The situation at the San Antonio Immigration Court is a stark reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policy decisions, especially on the most vulnerable.

For those facing immigration proceedings, the best course of action is to attend all hearings, seek legal advice, and remain aware of your rights. Community support and legal resources are available to help families through these difficult times. As the situation evolves, staying connected to trusted sources and advocates will be key to protecting your rights and your family’s future.

Learn Today

Zip-tied → Secured using plastic restraints commonly called zip-ties, restricting movement, sometimes controversially used on children.
Expedited removal → A fast-track deportation process allowing ICE to remove certain immigrants without a hearing before a judge.
In absentia order → A deportation order issued when an immigrant fails to appear at their immigration court hearing.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) → A U.S. immigration policy protecting eligible young immigrants from deportation and granting work authorization.
Legal counsel → An attorney or lawyer who advises and represents individuals in legal matters, including immigration cases.

This Article in a Nutshell

Reports reveal ICE detained families and zip-tied children at San Antonio Immigration Court in May 2025, raising urgent legal and human rights concerns amid ongoing enforcement actions targeting immigrants.
— By VisaVerge.com