Key Takeaways
• On May 28, 2025, 20+ protesters were arrested outside Lower Manhattan Immigration Court amid ICE enforcement actions.
• Venezuelan student ‘Dylan,’ detained after asylum dismissal, sparked protests highlighting legal confusion and ICE tactics.
• Recent policies expand expedited removal, mandate detainee quotas, and increase immigration court arrests across New York City.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a tense scene unfolded outside the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court as nearly two dozen protesters were arrested during demonstrations against recent immigration enforcement actions. The protests, which took place at 201 Varick Street in Manhattan, were sparked by a series of detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at New York City immigration courts. Among those detained was a 20-year-old Venezuelan student from the Bronx, whose case became a rallying point for advocates and community members. The events highlight growing concerns about federal immigration tactics, the impact of new policies, and the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Happened at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court?
The protests began early in the day as word spread that plainclothes ICE agents had detained several immigrants inside the courthouse, including a family with small children. These arrests were not isolated to 201 Varick Street; similar actions were reported at 26 Federal Plaza, another key immigration court location where immigrants regularly check in with ICE. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), at least 20 people were arrested during the protest, while other sources reported as many as 23 arrests.
As demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition, the situation quickly escalated. Police officers used pepper spray on protesters and physically removed those who tried to block vans carrying detained immigrants. Department of Homeland Security agents also used pepper spray when protesters attempted to stop vehicles they believed were transporting migrants. The heavy police presence and aggressive tactics underscored the high tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in New York City.
The Detention of “Dylan”: A Catalyst for Outrage
A major trigger for the protests was the detention of a young Venezuelan national, known publicly only as “Dylan.” Dylan, a 20-year-old student at Ellis Preparatory Academy in the Bronx, had entered the United States 🇺🇸 legally in April 2024 through a program established by the Biden administration. His detention did not occur at school but rather at the immigration court after a judge dismissed his asylum case.
Advocates say Dylan “had legal status” but was “deceived into dismissing the deportation proceedings,” which also ended his asylum claim. This left him without legal protection and open to detention by ICE agents. According to Congressmember Richie Torres, who represents Dylan’s district, the case highlights how quickly legal status can be lost due to complex court proceedings and a lack of clear information.
How Are ICE Agents Operating at Immigration Courts?
The events at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court have drawn attention to what many advocates describe as troubling tactics by federal immigration authorities. Immigrants who fail to attend scheduled court hearings risk detention, but those who do show up may also face arrest by ICE agents waiting inside or outside the courthouse.
The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) has reported that ICE appears to be “trying to entrap people, asking for cases to be dismissed so they can arrest them immediately after in the courthouse, to detain them for expedited removal.” Expedited removal is a process that allows for the quick deportation of certain undocumented immigrants without a full hearing before an immigration judge. Cellphone video shared by NYLAG shows a masked man, believed to be a plainclothes ICE agent, checking a man’s papers before handcuffing him at 26 Federal Plaza.
Congressman Jerry Nadler, whose office is located in the same building as the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court, expressed concern: “I am hearing from reports that people show up for appointments, not just here but all over, are being arrested by ICE and I’m not sure what the grounds are.”
Changes in Immigration Policy: What’s Different Now?
The recent enforcement actions are taking place against the backdrop of major changes to U.S. immigration policy under President Trump. Since January 2025, several new policies have been put in place that affect how ICE agents operate and how immigrants are treated in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key policy changes include:
- Expanded Expedited Removal: The Trump administration has broadened expedited removal to cover undocumented individuals who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years and are found anywhere in the country. Previously, this process was limited to those caught within 14 days of arrival and within 100 miles of a border.
- Increased Detention Mandate: ICE now has a federal mandate to detain and deport undocumented individuals accused of violent crimes. The Laken Riley Act has expanded mandatory detention to include even minor offenses, such as shoplifting.
- Detention Capacity Expansion: Guantánamo Bay has been reactivated as an immigration detention center, with a planned capacity of 30,000.
- Aggressive Enforcement Quotas: ICE has reportedly been ordered to make 3,000 arrests per day.
These changes have led to a sharp increase in enforcement actions at places like the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court, making many immigrants and their families fearful of attending scheduled hearings or check-ins.
Community and Official Responses
The protests and arrests have sparked strong reactions from a wide range of stakeholders, including immigrant advocates, elected officials, and city leaders.
Immigrant Advocates:
Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition called the courthouse arrests “incredibly shocking.” Ace Sutherland, also with the coalition, said, “We say to these people that they can come to this country, my people, we can come to this country, do it the right way, and then they do, and you stop them from getting there.” Many advocates argue that the current tactics undermine trust in the legal system and punish those who try to follow the rules.
Protesters:
One protester, who chose to remain anonymous, stated, “There’s no way we can stay silent. There’s no way that we can trust the officials, the government. They have betrayed citizens and the people who have followed the legal court proceedings. This is not OK.”
Department of Homeland Security:
In response to the outcry over Dylan’s detention and similar cases, Homeland Security released a statement: “If individuals have a valid credible fear claim, they will continue in immigration proceedings, but if no valid claim is found, aliens will be subject to a swift deportation.”
Mayor Eric Adams:
Mayor Adams commented on the limits of his authority, saying, “We have to be extremely careful because the New York City Council laws are limited on what coordination I can do. Sometimes it’s a blessing and it’s a curse.”
Planned Advocacy and Community Actions
The protests outside the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court are not the end of community action. Following the arrests, advocates and supporters planned a rally outside Tweed Courthouse in support of Dylan, scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani was also expected to speak out against the enforcement tactics, criticizing both the Trump administration and Mayor Adams for their roles in the current situation.
Systemic Problems in Immigration Court Proceedings
The events at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court have also brought attention to deeper, long-standing problems within the immigration court system in New York City. A monitoring report from earlier in 2024 documented several issues that make it difficult for immigrants to get fair treatment:
- Confusion About Court Locations: Many immigrants receive Notices to Appear (NTAs) with incorrect floor or room information, leading to missed hearings and added stress.
- Communication Failures: Judges sometimes cancel hearings without properly notifying those scheduled to appear, causing confusion and delays.
- Language Barriers: Many immigrants cannot get help or information in their primary language, making it hard to understand their rights or the legal process.
These problems are made worse by the fact that legal representation is not guaranteed in immigration court. While New York City has invested in legal services for immigrants, about 12,000 New Yorkers with pending immigration cases still lack legal counsel. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, having a lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of immigration cases, but many people cannot afford one or do not know how to find help.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Their Families?
The current enforcement actions and policy changes have serious consequences for immigrants, their families, and the wider community. Some of the main impacts include:
- Fear of Attending Court: Many immigrants are now afraid to attend scheduled hearings or check-ins at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court or other locations, worried that ICE agents may detain them even if they are following the rules.
- Family Separation: Detentions at court can lead to sudden family separations, especially when parents are taken into custody while their children are present.
- Loss of Trust: The use of plainclothes ICE agents and aggressive tactics has eroded trust in the legal system, making it harder for immigrants to seek help or report crimes.
- Legal Uncertainty: Complex court procedures and frequent policy changes make it difficult for immigrants to understand their rights or know what to expect.
What Can Immigrants Do If They Are Facing Court Proceedings?
If you or someone you know is scheduled to appear at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court or another immigration court, it is important to:
- Seek Legal Help: Try to find a qualified immigration lawyer or legal aid organization. Legal representation can greatly improve your chances in court.
- Know Your Rights: Learn about your rights when dealing with ICE agents and in immigration court. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) provides helpful resources on what to do if you are approached by ICE.
- Check Court Information: Double-check the date, time, and location of your hearing. If you receive a Notice to Appear (NTA), make sure the information is correct. You can find more information about NTAs and court procedures on the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review website.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration policy and enforcement practices. Community organizations and advocacy groups often share important updates.
Official Resources and Further Information
For those seeking more information about immigration court procedures, rights during ICE encounters, or how to find legal help, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review provides official guidance and resources. This site includes details on court locations, forms, and how to check the status of your case.
Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Enforcement
The protests and arrests at the Lower Manhattan Immigration Court are part of a larger debate over how the United States 🇺🇸 should handle immigration enforcement. Supporters of the new policies argue that strict enforcement is necessary to uphold the law and protect public safety. Critics, however, say that the tactics used by ICE agents are unfair, target vulnerable people, and break trust between immigrants and the government.
As the situation continues to develop, it is clear that the tension between federal immigration enforcement and local community responses will remain a central issue in New York City and across the country. The experiences of those affected by these policies, like Dylan and his family, serve as a reminder of the real human impact of immigration laws and the importance of fair and transparent legal processes.
For immigrants, families, and advocates, staying informed, seeking legal help, and supporting community action are key steps in facing the challenges ahead. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of these enforcement actions and the response from the community will likely shape the future of immigration policy and practice in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting arrests and detentions at courts and communities.
Expedited Removal → A fast deportation process allowing ICE to remove certain undocumented immigrants without full court hearings.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → Official document ordering immigrants to appear in immigration court for hearings.
Detention Mandate → Federal requirement for ICE to detain and deport undocumented immigrants accused of specified offenses.
Plainclothes ICE Agents → ICE officers working undercover without uniforms, often inside immigration courts to detain immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
Protests erupted on May 28, 2025, after ICE detained immigrants at Lower Manhattan court. Advocates condemn aggressive tactics risking family separation and undermining trust in immigration justice. The case of Dylan symbolizes legal vulnerabilities amid expanding federal removal policies targeting immigrants attending court hearings.
— By VisaVerge.com
