Key Takeaways
• Since May 2025, ICE arrests undocumented immigrants at immigration courts after case dismissals nationwide.
• Expedited removal allows rapid deportation without hearings if two years’ continuous US presence cannot be proven.
• Protests and legal challenges grow over ICE’s new arrests and expedited removal policy changes.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a new nationwide strategy that is changing the way undocumented immigrants are arrested and deported. Since late May 2025, ICE agents have started detaining people at immigration courts across the United States 🇺🇸, targeting those whose cases are being dismissed. This shift has led to protests, legal challenges, and growing fear among immigrant communities. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for those affected.
ICE’s New Approach: Arrests at Immigration Courts
ICE, the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, has begun a campaign to arrest undocumented immigrants at immigration courts and hearings. This means that people who go to court for their immigration cases may now face immediate detention if their case is dismissed by the government. Once detained, many are processed for expedited removal, a fast-track deportation process that skips the usual court hearing.
Why is this happening now?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded the use of expedited removal nationwide on January 21, 2025. Before this, expedited removal was mostly used near the border and for people who had just entered the country. Now, it applies to anyone in the United States 🇺🇸 who cannot prove they have lived here for at least two years without interruption.
How does it work?
– Case Dismissal: DHS attorneys ask immigration courts to dismiss cases for people who cannot show two years of continuous presence.
– Arrest: ICE agents, often waiting outside the courthouse, arrest these individuals as soon as their cases are dismissed.
– Expedited Removal: The person is quickly processed for deportation, usually without a judge’s hearing.
– Credible Fear Interview: If the person says they are afraid to return to their home country, they may get a “credible fear interview” with an asylum officer.
– Outcome: If the credible fear claim is accepted, the person can apply for asylum. If not, deportation happens quickly.
Where Is This Happening?
Reports confirm that ICE agents are now regularly present outside immigration courts in many places, including:
– Arizona
– California
– New York
– Seattle
– Chicago
– Texas
In Arizona alone, at least a dozen people were arrested outside courtrooms in just one week in May 2025. Nationwide, lawyers and advocates say there has been a “significant increase” in these types of arrests.
Who Is Affected?
The new policy affects a broad group of people:
– Anyone who cannot prove two years’ continuous presence in the United States 🇺🇸
– People with no criminal record, including those whose only violation is being undocumented
– Long-term residents who may have trouble quickly providing proof of their time in the country
– Worker organizers and community members, as seen in the case of Cliona Ward, a longtime Santa Cruz resident and union member
This is a big change from earlier policies, which focused mostly on people with criminal convictions.
What Is Expedited Removal?
Expedited removal is a process that allows the government to deport certain undocumented immigrants quickly, without a hearing before an immigration judge. Under the expanded rules:
– It now applies anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸, not just near the border.
– It affects anyone who cannot show they have lived in the country for at least two years.
– The only way to stop the process is to claim fear of persecution and pass a credible fear interview.
For more details on expedited removal, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official page on expedited removal.
Protests and Community Response
The new ICE tactic has sparked protests and rallies at immigration courts, especially in Washington state. Advocacy groups, labor unions, and immigrant rights organizations are speaking out against the arrests and calling for the release of those detained.
Recent example:
Cliona Ward, a well-known community member and union organizer in Santa Cruz, was detained by ICE after her court case was dismissed. Her arrest led to protests at the Santa Cruz County courthouse and in Tacoma, Washington, where she was held. After public pressure, she was released, but her case highlights the risks many now face.
Groups like the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), and other local organizations are:
– Organizing rallies and protests
– Providing legal support to those detained
– Sharing information about rights and risks
Legal Challenges and Court Backlog
The immigration court system is overwhelmed, with a backlog in the millions. ICE and DHS say that using expedited removal helps reduce this backlog by quickly removing people who do not qualify to stay.
However, legal experts and advocacy groups warn that this approach:
– Undermines due process: People may be deported without a fair chance to present their case.
– Increases risk of wrongful deportations: Some may not have time to gather documents proving their time in the country.
– Creates fear: Many are now afraid to attend their own court hearings, which could lead to more missed appointments and more deportations.
Federal judges have stepped in on some cases, ruling that DHS failed to provide required credible fear interviews before deporting people to third countries. These legal battles are ongoing and could affect how the policy is used in the future.
Step-by-Step: What Happens Under the New Policy
Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens to someone affected by the new ICE tactic:
- Court Appearance: The person attends their immigration court hearing.
- Case Dismissal: DHS attorneys ask the judge to dismiss the case if the person cannot prove two years’ continuous presence.
- ICE Arrest: ICE agents, often waiting outside, arrest the person as soon as they leave the courtroom.
- Expedited Removal Processing: The person is processed for expedited removal, which means they can be deported quickly without a judge’s hearing.
- Credible Fear Interview (if requested): If the person says they are afraid to return to their home country, they get an interview with an asylum officer.
- Decision: If the credible fear claim is accepted, the person may apply for asylum. If not, they are deported rapidly.
What Are the Legal Rights of Those Detained?
Under expedited removal, most people do not get a hearing before a judge. The main exception is if they claim fear of persecution or torture in their home country. In that case, they have the right to a credible fear interview with an asylum officer.
If the officer finds the fear claim believable, the person can apply for asylum and may get a hearing. If not, deportation happens quickly.
Legal experts, including those from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), warn that many people may not know about this right or may not have access to legal help in time. This increases the risk of people being deported to dangerous situations.
For more information on your rights during expedited removal, see NILC’s Know Your Rights: Expedited Removal Expansion.
Multiple Perspectives: What Different Groups Are Saying
| Stakeholder | Perspective |
|---|---|
| ICE/DHS | Say that expedited removal is needed to enforce immigration laws and reduce court backlogs. |
| Immigrant Advocates | Argue that the tactics are unfair, harmful, and deny people a fair process. |
| Legal Community | Raise concerns about constitutional rights and the risk of wrongful deportations. |
| Judiciary | Some judges have stopped deportations when legal steps were skipped. |
ICE officials have said the public should expect “a significant increase” in arrests at immigration courts.
Advocacy groups are calling for policy changes and more legal protections for those at risk.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Before 2025:
Expedited removal was mostly used near the border and for people found within 14 days of entering the United States 🇺🇸.
2025 Expansion:
The Trump administration expanded expedited removal to cover the whole country. Now, anyone who cannot prove two years’ continuous presence can be deported quickly, no matter where they are found.
Recent Changes:
The latest tactic involves dismissing court cases to make it easier for ICE to arrest and deport people. This was not common in earlier administrations and marks a sharp change in enforcement priorities.
Real-Life Impact: Stories and Community Effects
The increased presence of ICE at courthouses has created a climate of fear. Many immigrants are now afraid to attend their own hearings, even though missing a hearing can lead to an automatic order of removal.
Community impact includes:
– Families separated by sudden arrests
– Workers and organizers targeted, affecting local communities
– People avoiding legal processes out of fear, which can make their situation worse
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes have led to confusion and anxiety among immigrants, lawyers, and advocates. Many are unsure about their rights and what steps to take if they are at risk.
What Should You Do If You Are at Risk?
If you are undocumented and have an upcoming court hearing, here are some important steps:
- Gather Proof: Collect documents that show you have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least two years. This can include bills, school records, medical records, or anything with your name and date.
- Know Your Rights: If you are detained, you have the right to ask for a credible fear interview if you are afraid to return to your home country.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a trusted immigration lawyer or legal aid group as soon as possible.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from advocacy groups and official sources.
For official information and resources, visit the ICE website or call the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 1-888-351-4024.
The Road Ahead: Legal and Policy Challenges
The new ICE tactic is facing legal challenges in federal courts. Lawsuits argue that the expanded use of expedited removal and courthouse arrests violate constitutional rights and due process. Some judges have already stopped deportations when legal steps were skipped, especially when credible fear interviews were not provided.
Advocacy groups are pushing for new laws and court rulings to limit or reverse these policies. They are also working to educate communities about their rights and provide legal support.
DHS has said it plans to continue and possibly expand these tactics, depending on the outcome of ongoing legal and political battles.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- ICE is now arresting undocumented immigrants at immigration courts nationwide, especially after cases are dismissed.
- Expedited removal allows for rapid deportation without a court hearing for those who cannot prove two years’ continuous presence in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Advocates, legal experts, and community groups are protesting and challenging these tactics in court.
- If you are at risk, gather proof of your time in the country, know your rights, and seek legal help.
- Stay informed through official sources and advocacy organizations.
The situation is changing quickly, and the outcome of legal challenges could affect how these policies are used in the future. For now, those affected should take steps to protect themselves and seek support from trusted organizations.
For more information on expedited removal and your rights, visit the USCIS expedited removal page or contact the National Immigration Law Center at www.nilc.org.
If you need community support or want to join advocacy efforts, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) offers resources at www.waisn.org.
The expansion of ICE arrests at immigration courts and the use of expedited removal mark a major shift in U.S. immigration enforcement. As the debate continues, the lives of many immigrants, families, and communities hang in the balance.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws and deporting undocumented immigrants across the country.
Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process without a full immigration court hearing, expanded nationwide in 2025.
Credible Fear Interview → An asylum officer interview to assess if a person fears persecution, allowing asylum applications.
Case Dismissal → When an immigration court judge ends a deportation case, triggering potential ICE arrests.
Continuous Presence → Proof that an immigrant has lived in the U.S. without interruption, required to avoid expedited removal.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE’s new strategy arrests undocumented immigrants at immigration courts nationwide, using expedited removal for fast deportation. This causes protests, legal battles, and fear. Those affected must prove two years of residency or risk rapid deportation without court hearings. Advocacy groups call for protections and legal support amid ongoing policy changes.
— By VisaVerge.com
