Key Takeaways
• ICE arrested multiple undocumented immigrants attending hearings at Bay Area federal immigration courts in May 2025.
• Agents use courthouse presence to arrest after case dismissals, threatening due process and asylum proceedings.
• Community groups protest ICE courthouse arrests, urging legal awareness and stronger sanctuary policies.
Immigration rights activists and community groups are rallying today, May 28, 2025, outside the San Francisco Immigration Court in response to a series of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests at Bay Area courthouses. Over the past week, ICE agents have detained several undocumented immigrants at federal immigration courts in San Francisco, Concord, and Sacramento. These arrests, which took place as individuals attended their scheduled hearings, have sparked widespread concern among attorneys, advocates, and families. Many see this as a major change in how ICE enforces immigration laws, raising questions about due process and the safety of immigrants seeking legal relief.
What Happened: ICE Arrests at Bay Area Courthouses
On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, ICE agents detained at least four undocumented immigrants at the San Francisco Immigration Courthouse. These individuals were there for routine hearings, including asylum applications. According to witnesses, plainclothes ICE agents waited in courthouse hallways and near entrances. After the hearings, the agents took the immigrants into custody and placed them in unmarked white vehicles operated by the Department of Homeland Security.
Similar ICE operations have been reported at other Bay Area courthouses over the past week. At least one person was arrested outside the Concord immigration court on May 21. Witnesses described a visible ICE presence in waiting areas and near court entrances, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for those attending hearings.
Why Are These ICE Actions Different?
Immigration attorneys and advocates say these courthouse arrests are “unprecedented” and “highly unusual.” In the past, ICE has generally avoided making arrests at courthouses, especially when immigrants are there to attend their own hearings. This new approach appears to involve a coordinated strategy:
- ICE attorneys inside courtrooms are asking judges to dismiss immigrants’ cases.
- ICE agents wait outside to arrest individuals after their cases are dismissed.
- Detained immigrants are placed into expedited removal proceedings, which can lead to quick deportation without a full hearing.
So far, Bay Area immigration judges have rejected government requests to dismiss cases, but the presence of ICE agents has still resulted in several arrests. This tactic has alarmed legal experts, who say it undermines the fairness of the immigration court process.
The Official Government Position
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended these operations, saying they are part of the Trump administration’s effort to reverse what they call “Biden’s catch and release policy.” According to a DHS spokesperson, “Secretary [Kristi] Noem is reversing Biden’s catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This Administration is once again implementing the rule of law.”
DHS has stated that immigrants who have a “valid credible fear claim”—meaning they can show a real fear of harm if returned to their home country—will continue in immigration proceedings. If no valid claim is found, the person will be subject to swift deportation. Richard Beam, an ICE spokesperson, confirmed that the agency is conducting “targeted enforcement at immigration courts” but did not provide details about the recent arrests.
Community Response: Protests and Support
In response to these ICE actions, immigrant rights groups and community organizations are gathering outside the San Francisco Immigration Court on Montgomery Street. The rally aims to:
- Inform immigrants of their rights
- Provide resources for those attending court hearings
- Protest what advocates describe as unconstitutional tactics that undermine due process
Several organizations are involved in monitoring ICE activities and supporting affected individuals, including:
- California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice
- Contra Costa Immigrant Rights Alliance
- California Immigration Project
- Stand Together Contra Costa
- San Francisco Bar Association
These groups are working together to offer legal help, emotional support, and practical resources to immigrants and their families.
The Impact on Immigrant Communities
The presence of ICE at Bay Area courthouses has created a dangerous dilemma for immigrants with pending cases. They must choose between:
- Attending their court hearings and risking detention by ICE
- Missing their hearings and possibly receiving a deportation order in absentia (which means being ordered deported for not showing up)
“It’s putting people in this horrible situation,” said Milli Atkinson of the San Francisco Bar Association. “They have the right to apply for asylum. They want to do what’s right. They want to follow this process. But they know that there’s a risk now that if they try to exercise their rights, they’re going to be detained.”
Attorneys report that after being taken into custody, immigrants are often transferred to detention centers in California, such as the one in Bakersfield. However, they could also be sent to facilities in other parts of the United States 🇺🇸, separating them from their families and legal representation. This can make it much harder for them to continue their cases or get the help they need.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Many immigration attorneys and advocates believe these enforcement tactics raise serious legal and constitutional issues. Their main concerns include:
- Due Process Rights: The right to a fair hearing is a basic part of the U.S. legal system. Arresting people at courthouses may stop them from fully using this right.
- Disruption of the Asylum Process: People who are following the law and trying to apply for asylum may be taken into custody before their cases are heard.
- Fear and Deterrence: The visible presence of ICE agents may scare immigrants away from attending their hearings, leading to more deportation orders for missing court.
Atkinson called the government’s claim that these tactics are legal “disheartening and disingenuous.” Sean McMahon, a senior attorney with the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, described the operations as “outrageous and unprecedented,” adding, “People have the right to be heard in court. ICE is scaring people away from exercising that right.”
Sanctuary Policies: Calls for Stronger Protections
In light of these events, some advocates are urging local and state officials to reaffirm and strengthen sanctuary policies. Sanctuary policies are local rules that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. Angela Chan, Assistant Chief Attorney at the San Francisco Public Defender’s office, said, “We need our local and state elected officials to partner with us to defend our immigrant communities against this unprecedented attack on due process rights.”
Some Bay Area counties have already taken steps to limit cooperation with ICE. For example, Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez announced a “zero contact policy” with ICE earlier this year. She stated, “We don’t communicate with ICE. We are not sharing information. We are not collecting information related to any type of documentation status.”
These policies are designed to make immigrants feel safer when using public services, including the courts, without fear of being reported to ICE.
What Immigrants Should Know: Rights and Resources
Immigrant rights groups are encouraging people to remember “power, not panic.” They want everyone in immigration proceedings to know they have rights, even in the face of ICE activity. Here are some key recommendations:
- Seek legal advice before attending court hearings: A qualified immigration attorney can help you understand your options and risks.
- Be aware that missing a court hearing can result in a deportation order: Not showing up can have serious consequences, so it’s important to get legal help if you are afraid to attend.
- Contact local Rapid Response Networks if you see ICE activity: These networks can provide immediate support and connect you with legal resources. For example, the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice offers a Rapid Response Network at www.ccijustice.org/carrn.
- Use court accompaniment programs: Some organizations offer volunteers who can go with you to court for support and to observe what happens.
Despite the risks, attorneys are still advising immigrants to attend their scheduled hearings while taking precautions and being aware of their rights. Missing a hearing can lead to an automatic deportation order, which is very hard to overturn.
How ICE Operations Affect Stakeholders
Immigrants and Their Families
For immigrants, especially those with pending asylum cases, the risk of arrest at courthouses adds a new layer of fear and uncertainty. Many are already dealing with trauma from their home countries and the stress of the legal process. The threat of being detained while trying to follow the law can discourage people from seeking help or defending their cases.
Families are also affected. When a parent or family member is detained, children and spouses may be left without support. In some cases, families are separated for long periods, and it can be difficult to reunite.
Attorneys and Legal Advocates
Immigration attorneys are facing new challenges as they try to protect their clients’ rights. The presence of ICE at courthouses makes it harder to advise clients and ensure they can safely attend hearings. Some attorneys worry that these tactics will make it more difficult for immigrants to get fair hearings and access legal help.
Community Organizations
Groups that support immigrants are working overtime to provide information, legal assistance, and emotional support. They are also documenting ICE activities and advocating for policy changes at the local and state level.
Local Governments
Local officials are under pressure to respond to community concerns. Some are considering stronger sanctuary policies or new rules to limit ICE’s ability to make arrests at courthouses. Others are working with advocacy groups to provide more resources for affected families.
The Bigger Picture: Changing Immigration Enforcement
These recent ICE actions at Bay Area courthouses are part of a larger shift in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The government says it is ending “catch and release,” a term used to describe the practice of releasing some immigrants from custody while they wait for their court hearings. Instead, the administration is focusing on detaining more people and speeding up deportations.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this approach has led to more aggressive enforcement tactics, including arrests at places that were previously considered “safe,” like courthouses and schools. Critics argue that these tactics make it harder for immigrants to trust the legal system and can lead to more people living in fear.
What Happens Next?
The situation is still developing. Immigrant rights groups are planning more rallies and outreach efforts to inform the community and push for policy changes. Attorneys are preparing legal challenges to the new enforcement tactics, arguing that they violate due process and constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, immigrants with pending cases must make difficult choices about how to protect themselves and their families. Legal experts recommend staying informed, seeking legal advice, and using available resources to stay safe.
Practical Steps for Immigrants Facing ICE Activity
If you or someone you know is worried about ICE activity at Bay Area courthouses, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
- Have a safety plan: Talk to your family and attorney about what to do if you are detained.
- Keep important documents in a safe place: This includes copies of your immigration paperwork, identification, and contact information for your attorney.
- Use trusted legal resources: Only get advice from qualified immigration attorneys or recognized organizations. The U.S. Department of Justice’s list of accredited representatives is a good place to start.
- Report ICE activity to local Rapid Response Networks: These networks can help document what happens and provide support.
Conclusion: Staying Informed and Empowered
The recent ICE arrests at Bay Area courthouses have created new challenges for immigrants, attorneys, and community organizations. While the government says these actions are about enforcing the law, many see them as a threat to due process and the safety of vulnerable people. As the situation continues to unfold, staying informed, seeking legal help, and using community resources are the best ways for immigrants and their families to protect their rights.
For more information about your rights and available resources, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website. If you are facing an immigration hearing or worried about ICE activity, reach out to local organizations and legal experts for support.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting arrests related to immigration violations.
Asylum → Protection granted to individuals fearing persecution in their home countries if returned.
Due Process → Legal principle ensuring fair treatment and the right to be heard in court.
Expedited Removal → Fast-track deportation process without a full immigration hearing.
Sanctuary Policies → Local regulations limiting cooperation between law enforcement and ICE to protect immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, ICE significantly increased arrests in Bay Area immigration courts, detaining immigrants during hearings. This unprecedented tactic alarms advocates, disrupting due process and asylum access. Community groups rally to protect immigrant rights, demanding stronger sanctuary policies and urging immigrants to know their legal rights and access support resources.
— By VisaVerge.com
