Key Takeaways
• Baltimore Immigration Court faces 3.5 million pending cases backlog as of 2025, delaying hearings for immigrant families.
• Policy Memorandum 25-28 enables faster dismissal of asylum cases, risking deportation without fair hearings for children.
• Since May 2025, ICE increased arrests at courthouses, causing fear and reducing attendance at hearings.
A wave of concern is sweeping through Maryland’s immigrant community as recent changes at the Baltimore Immigration Court threaten to make life even harder for immigrant children and their families. As of July 2025, the court faces a record-breaking backlog, new enforcement tactics, and policy shifts that advocates say could put vulnerable children at greater risk of deportation and family separation. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what families and their supporters need to know.
Who is affected? Immigrant children and families with cases at the Baltimore Immigration Court
What’s happening? Policy changes, a growing backlog, and tougher enforcement are making it harder for children to get fair hearings
When? Changes have accelerated in 2025, with new policies and enforcement starting in April and May
Where? Baltimore Immigration Court, George Fallon Federal Building, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD
Why does it matter? Children are at risk of being deported without proper legal help or a fair chance to present their cases
How? New policies allow judges to dismiss cases more quickly, while ICE arrests at courthouses create fear and confusion
Baltimore Immigration Court: A System Under Strain
The Baltimore Immigration Court is one of the busiest in the United States 🇺🇸. It operates under the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and is located in downtown Baltimore. The court is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and all visitors must pass through strict security screening.
But the court is overwhelmed. As of 2025, the nationwide immigration court backlog has exploded to about 3.5 million pending cases, with Baltimore contributing a large share. This backlog means that cases can take years to resolve, leaving families in limbo and children growing up with uncertainty about their futures.
The situation has gotten worse due to increased immigration enforcement. In May 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expanded courthouse arrests, making many immigrants afraid to attend their own hearings. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these enforcement tactics have created chaos and fear, especially for families with children.
Why Immigrant Children Are at Greater Risk
Immigrant children are among the most vulnerable people in the immigration system. Many have fled violence, poverty, or family separation in their home countries. They often arrive in the United States 🇺🇸 alone or with relatives, hoping for safety and a chance at a better life.
Advocacy groups, such as the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, warn that recent changes at the Baltimore Immigration Court and across the country are making it much harder for children to get the help they need. In July 2025, these groups filed legal briefs supporting lawsuits to restore legal services for immigrant children. They argue that the loss of legal representation and the use of fast-track removal procedures are putting children at risk of being deported without a fair hearing.
A recent case shows how dangerous this can be. A child named Nicolas missed his court hearing because he was transferred and didn’t have a lawyer. He almost received a removal order, which would have forced him to leave the country. Without legal help, children like Nicolas can easily get lost in the system.
Experts say the immigration process is extremely complicated. Children, especially those who don’t speak English or understand the law, need special protections. Without a lawyer, it’s almost impossible for them to ask for asylum or other forms of protection.
Policy Changes and New Enforcement Tactics
Several new policies and enforcement tactics are making things even harder for immigrant children and their families at the Baltimore Immigration Court:
1. Policy Memorandum 25-28: Faster Dismissals
In April 2025, the EOIR issued Policy Memorandum 25-28. This policy tells judges to dismiss asylum applications that are not legally strong enough, without giving the person a full hearing. The goal is to move cases through the system faster and reduce the backlog.
But advocates say this policy hurts children and other vulnerable people. Many children don’t know how to fill out complex forms or explain their stories without help. If their case is dismissed quickly, they may lose their chance to stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
2. ICE Courthouse Arrests: Fear and Confusion
Starting May 20, 2025, ICE began making more arrests at courthouses, including in Baltimore. Officers now wait outside courtrooms and arrest people as soon as their cases are dismissed or after they appear in court. This has caused panic among immigrants, who now fear that going to court could lead to immediate detention or deportation.
Lawyers and advocates call this a “bait and switch.” People come to court hoping for justice, only to be arrested as soon as their hearing ends. This makes families afraid to show up for their hearings, which can lead to more people being ordered removed from the country without even being present.
3. Staff Shortages and Judge Quotas
The Baltimore Immigration Court has only a handful of judges—usually between four and five. These judges are under pressure to finish cases quickly, sometimes at the expense of fairness. Staff shortages mean that cases are delayed, and judges may not have enough time to fully review each case, especially those involving children.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
The problems at the Baltimore Immigration Court didn’t start overnight. For years, the court has struggled with too many cases and not enough resources. In 2018, there were already over 34,000 pending cases in Baltimore, and the number has only grown since then.
During President Trump’s administration, new rules were put in place that forced judges to meet strict case completion quotas. Many people worried that this would make it harder for judges to be fair and independent. These changes are still affecting the court system today.
The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse. Court closures and delays added to the backlog, and now, in 2025, the number of pending cases nationwide has more than doubled since 2022.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Advocacy Groups
Groups like the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights are fighting to protect children in the immigration system. They say that taking away legal help from children is “deliberate, cruel, and anti-immigrant.” They want every child to have a lawyer and a fair chance to tell their story.
EOIR and the Department of Justice
The EOIR and the Department of Justice are focused on making the court system work faster. They believe that dismissing weak cases quickly will help reduce the backlog. But this approach has raised concerns about fairness and due process, especially for children.
Immigration Judges and Legal Experts
Many judges and legal experts are worried about the pressure to finish cases quickly. They say that quotas and enforcement tactics make it harder to give each case the attention it deserves, especially when children’s futures are at stake.
ICE
ICE has stepped up courthouse arrests, saying it’s necessary to enforce immigration laws. But many lawyers and advocates say these tactics are unfair and make it harder for people to get justice.
What Does This Mean for Immigrant Children and Families?
The combination of a huge backlog, new policies, and aggressive enforcement is making life much harder for immigrant children and their families in Baltimore. Here are some of the main effects:
- Children may have to go to court without a lawyer, making it much more likely they will be ordered removed from the country.
- Court delays mean families wait years for answers, causing stress and uncertainty.
- Fear of ICE arrests keeps people away from court, which can lead to more removal orders for people who miss their hearings.
- Faster case dismissals under new policies mean children may not get a full chance to explain why they need protection.
Step-by-Step Guide: What Should Families Do?
If you or someone you know has a case at the Baltimore Immigration Court, here’s what you need to know:
- Attend All Hearings
Always go to your scheduled court hearings. Missing a hearing can lead to an automatic removal order. Prepare for Security Screening
All visitors must go through a metal detector and have their bags checked. Only attorneys and government workers can bring in electronic devices.Get Legal Help
The government does not provide free lawyers for immigration cases. It’s very important to find a lawyer or a trusted nonprofit legal service provider. Groups like the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights can help connect children with legal support.Understand the New Policies
Judges may dismiss cases quickly if they think the application is not strong enough. Make sure all paperwork is complete and accurate. If you receive a notice of dismissal, talk to a lawyer right away.Be Aware of ICE Enforcement
ICE may arrest people at the courthouse, even after a case is dismissed. Be prepared and know your rights. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer.Know How to Appeal
If your case is dismissed or you receive a removal order, you can file an appeal or a motion to reopen your case. This process is complicated and should be done with the help of a lawyer. For more information on how to appeal, visit the EOIR Appeals Process page.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Baltimore Immigration Court?
Advocates are not giving up. They continue to file lawsuits and push for more legal services for immigrant children. The EOIR may face more pressure to balance speed with fairness, especially as the backlog keeps growing.
ICE’s courthouse arrest tactics have drawn criticism from lawyers, community groups, and even some public officials. There are calls for these policies to be changed or rolled back, but for now, they remain in place.
The backlog at the Baltimore Immigration Court and across the country is expected to stay high. There is talk of increasing funding and hiring more judges and staff, but these changes have not happened yet.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need to contact the Baltimore Immigration Court, here’s the information:
Baltimore Immigration Court
George Fallon Federal Building
31 Hopkins Plaza, Room 440
Baltimore, MD 21201
Public Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
For updates on court operations and policies, visit the EOIR’s official website.
If you are looking for legal help, organizations like the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights and local legal aid groups can provide support and guidance.
Takeaways for Families and Advocates
- Always attend court hearings and seek legal help as early as possible.
- Stay informed about new policies and enforcement tactics that could affect your case.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help from trusted organizations and legal service providers.
- If you receive a dismissal or removal order, act quickly to file an appeal.
- Keep up with official updates from the EOIR and local advocacy groups.
The situation at the Baltimore Immigration Court is changing quickly, and the stakes are high—especially for immigrant children. By staying informed and connected to trusted resources, families can better protect their rights and work toward a safer, more stable future in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
Baltimore Immigration Court → A federal court in Maryland handling immigration cases, facing a severe backlog and enforcement challenges.
Policy Memorandum 25-28 → An April 2025 EOIR policy encouraging quick dismissal of weak asylum cases to reduce backlog.
ICE Courthouse Arrests → Increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests at courthouses that intimidate immigrants from attending hearings.
Backlog → The accumulation of unresolved immigration cases, causing years-long delays in court processing.
EOIR → Executive Office for Immigration Review, the DOJ office overseeing immigration courts and policies.
This Article in a Nutshell
Baltimore’s Immigration Court battles a massive backlog and new policies threatening immigrant children’s rights. ICE arrests instill fear, while faster case dismissals risk deporting vulnerable kids without fair hearings. Families must secure legal help and attend all hearings to protect their futures amid these challenging changes.
— By VisaVerge.com
