ICE Halts Courthouse Arrests in Seattle After Dismissals

Key Takeaways

• ICE resumed courthouse arrests nationwide in January 2025 under Trump’s policy rollback.
• No confirmed courthouse arrests in Seattle last week; May 20, 2025, worksite raid occurred.
• Legal advocates warn arrests deter immigrants from court participation, affecting justice access.

Federal Immigration Agents Resume Courthouse Arrests: What Seattle Immigrants and Advocates Need to Know

Federal immigration enforcement has entered a new phase in 2025, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents resuming arrests at courthouses across the country. This shift follows recent policy changes under President Trump’s administration, which rolled back previous restrictions on such enforcement actions. While no confirmed ICE courthouse arrests have been reported in Seattle in the past week, the broader trend is raising alarm among legal advocates, local officials, and immigrant communities in Washington State and beyond.

This article explains the latest developments, the practical impact on people with deportation hearings, and what immigrants in the Seattle area should expect as ICE enforcement priorities evolve.

What’s Happening: ICE Courthouse Arrests Resume Nationwide

Who: ICE agents, immigrants with pending or dismissed deportation hearings, legal advocates, local officials, and the broader immigrant community.

What: ICE agents are again making arrests at or near courthouses, including targeting people whose deportation hearings have been dismissed.

When: The policy shift began in January 2025, following President Trump’s return to office. The most recent high-profile enforcement action in the Seattle area was a worksite raid in Kent, Washington, on May 20, 2025, but not at a courthouse.

Where: Nationwide, with recent courthouse arrests reported in Virginia and Texas. In Seattle, no courthouse arrests have been confirmed in the last week, but the region remains affected by the broader trend.

Why: The Trump administration reversed Biden-era restrictions, arguing that courthouse arrests are necessary for public safety and effective immigration enforcement.

How: ICE agents now coordinate with court security and attempt to make arrests in non-public areas, but public arrests and incidents involving plainclothes agents have also occurred.

Policy Changes: From Sensitive Locations to Renewed Enforcement

Biden-Era Restrictions

Under President Biden, ICE treated courthouses as “sensitive locations,” similar to schools and hospitals. This meant agents could not generally make arrests at or near courthouses, except in rare circumstances involving public safety threats. The goal was to ensure that immigrants could participate in the justice system—whether as defendants, witnesses, or victims—without fear of being detained by ICE.

Trump Administration’s 2025 Policy Shift

After President Trump returned to office in January 2025, these restrictions were rolled back. As of January 21, 2025, ICE agents are again allowed to conduct enforcement actions in or near courthouses if they believe their target will be present. According to official guidance:

• Agents are instructed to coordinate with court security to minimize disruption.
• Arrests should occur in non-public areas when possible, but public arrests have still been reported.
• ICE agents may not always identify themselves immediately, especially when operating in plainclothes.

This change has led to a noticeable increase in courthouse arrests nationwide. At least a dozen such arrests were reported in April and May 2025, particularly in Virginia and Texas. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Pacific Northwest, including Seattle, is also affected by this renewed enforcement, even if no recent courthouse arrests have been confirmed in the city itself.

Seattle: No Recent Courthouse Arrests, But Concerns Remain

While there have been no confirmed reports of ICE courthouse arrests in Seattle in the last week, the local immigrant community remains on edge. The most recent high-profile ICE action in the area was a worksite raid in Kent, Washington, on May 20, 2025, resulting in the arrest of 17 individuals for alleged unlawful employment and fraudulent documentation. This was not related to courthouse enforcement, but it highlights ICE’s ongoing presence and activity in the region.

ICE Seattle Field Office Director Drew H. Bostock has stated that public safety remains the top priority for enforcement actions. The Seattle field office continues to conduct targeted operations, including the arrest of individuals deemed public safety threats.

Despite the lack of recent courthouse arrests in Seattle, legal advocates warn that the broader trend could have a chilling effect on court participation and access to justice for immigrants in the area.

How ICE Courthouse Arrests Work: Step-by-Step

To understand the process, here’s how ICE typically carries out courthouse arrests under the current policy:

1. Target Identification: ICE identifies individuals with outstanding removal orders or who are otherwise deportable, including those whose deportation hearings have been dismissed.
2. Coordination: Agents may coordinate with court security or local law enforcement before making an arrest at or near a courthouse.
3. Arrest Execution: Agents attempt to make arrests in non-public areas, such as hallways or parking garages, to minimize disruption. However, public arrests have still occurred.
4. Post-Arrest: Individuals are taken into ICE custody for processing and possible removal (deportation) proceedings.
5. Notification: In some cases, family members and attorneys are not immediately notified, leading to confusion and concern.

For more details on ICE’s enforcement priorities and procedures, visit the official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.

Why Are Courthouse Arrests So Controversial?

Chilling Effect on Justice

Legal experts, judges, and immigrant advocates argue that courthouse arrests deter immigrants from participating in the justice system. This includes not only defendants in criminal or immigration cases, but also witnesses and victims of crime. When people fear being arrested by ICE at the courthouse, they may:

• Avoid attending their own hearings, risking additional legal trouble
• Refuse to testify as witnesses, undermining criminal prosecutions
• Decline to report crimes, making communities less safe

Lena Graber of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center explains, “When ICE agents are present at courthouses, it sends a message to immigrants that the justice system is not safe for them. This undermines public safety for everyone.”

Due Process and Public Trust

Local prosecutors and judges have also raised concerns. Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jim Hingeley criticized ICE agents for failing to identify themselves during courthouse arrests, which can create confusion and fear among the public. He argues that this practice erodes trust in the legal system and disrupts the judicial process.

ICE’s Perspective

ICE maintains that courthouse arrests are necessary for public safety and operational success. According to an official statement, “ICE agents are trained to assess and prosecute apprehensions in a manner that best ensures operational success and public safety.”

Real-World Impact: Examples and Scenarios

Example 1: Dismissed Deportation Hearing

Maria, an undocumented immigrant in Seattle, had her deportation hearing dismissed due to a lack of evidence. Under the current policy, ICE agents could still target her for arrest at the courthouse, even though her case was closed. If arrested, Maria would be taken into ICE custody and could face renewed removal proceedings.

Example 2: Witness Afraid to Testify

Jorge, a lawful permanent resident, is a key witness in a domestic violence case. He fears that attending court could expose him to ICE agents, especially after hearing about arrests in other states. As a result, he considers not testifying, which could allow the perpetrator to go free.

Example 3: Family Members Left in the Dark

After an ICE arrest at a courthouse, the individual’s family and attorney may not be immediately notified. This can lead to panic, confusion, and difficulty locating the detained person, especially if they are quickly transferred to a detention facility outside the area.

Stakeholder Perspectives: A Divided Debate

The Migration Policy Institute notes that the Trump administration’s approach marks a significant increase in interior enforcement, moving away from prioritizing only those with criminal convictions. This broader focus means more people—including those with dismissed deportation hearings—are at risk of arrest.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

• Before 2017: ICE generally avoided making arrests at sensitive locations, including courthouses.
• 2017–2021 (First Trump Administration): Policy shifted to allow targeted courthouse arrests, citing lack of cooperation from local authorities.
• 2021–2024 (Biden Administration): Restrictions reinstated, limiting courthouse arrests to rare cases involving public safety threats.
• 2025 (Current Trump Administration): Restrictions rolled back; courthouse arrests resume and increase.

This back-and-forth reflects ongoing political and legal debate over the role of federal immigration enforcement in local judicial systems.

What Should Immigrants in Seattle Do Now?

Given the current policy environment, immigrants in Seattle and the surrounding area should take practical steps to protect themselves and their families:

• Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. ICE agents must have a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter private areas.
• Stay Informed: Monitor updates from trusted sources, including local immigrant advocacy organizations and the ICE Seattle Field Office.
• Legal Representation: If you have a pending or dismissed deportation hearing, consult with an immigration attorney. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center offers resources and referrals.
• Family Preparedness: Make a plan with your family in case of detention, including emergency contacts and legal documents.
• Court Attendance: If you must attend court, consider bringing an attorney or advocate with you. Some organizations provide court accompaniment for added support.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ICE Enforcement in Seattle?

Continued Enforcement Likely

Unless there are new policy changes or court rulings, ICE courthouse arrests are expected to continue under current federal directives. The Seattle field office will likely maintain its focus on individuals with outstanding removal orders or deemed public safety threats.

Legal and Political Pushback

Ongoing litigation and advocacy efforts may influence future policy. Some local jurisdictions are exploring ways to limit ICE access to courthouses or provide additional protections for immigrants. High-profile incidents could also draw public attention and prompt further debate.

Community Response

Immigrant communities and legal advocates in Seattle are organizing to provide information, legal support, and advocacy. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, can safely access the justice system.

Official Resources and Contacts

• ICE Seattle Field Office:
  • Public Reporting: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
  • Online Tip Form
• ICE Newsroom: For official statements and updates
  • ICE Newsroom
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center: ILRC Legal Help
• VisaVerge.com: For ongoing analysis and updates on immigration enforcement trends

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• ICE courthouse arrests have resumed nationwide under the Trump administration’s 2025 policy changes, though no recent incidents have been confirmed in Seattle.
• Legal advocates and local officials warn that these arrests deter immigrants from participating in the justice system, undermining public safety and due process.
• Immigrants in Seattle should stay informed, know their rights, and seek legal support if they have pending or dismissed deportation hearings.
• The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing legal and political debate likely to shape future enforcement practices in Seattle and across the United States 🇺🇸.

For the most current information on ICE enforcement actions and your rights, visit the official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.

By staying informed and prepared, Seattle’s immigrant community can better protect itself in this changing enforcement landscape.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and removals.
Deportation Hearing → A legal proceeding determining whether an individual should be removed from the U.S.
Sensitive Location → Sites where ICE must limit enforcement actions, such as courthouses, schools, and hospitals.
Removal Order → A legal order requiring an individual’s deportation from the United States.
Plainclothes Agents → ICE officers operating without uniforms to perform arrests discreetly.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE has restarted courthouse arrests nationwide since January 2025, reversing Biden-era protections. Seattle saw no recent courthouse arrests, but local advocates fear this discourages immigrant court participation and undermines justice. Immigrants should remain informed, know their rights, and seek legal help amid evolving enforcement priorities under Trump’s administration.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Seattle Paine Field named top US small airport by Newsweek readers
• Washington state man Maximo Londonio detained at Seattle-Tacoma airport
• Alaska Airlines jets in wingtip collision at Seattle-Tacoma airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport bracing for record Memorial Day crowds
• SeaPort Airlines Roars Back With Portland-Seattle Flights