Inside Manhattan’s immigration courts in July 2025, ICE has stepped up efforts to detain immigrants, including those simply attending their own hearings. This sudden change has sparked protests, legal challenges, and deep concern among immigrant communities, lawyers, and advocates. The situation is changing quickly, with new policies, more arrests, and growing fear among those affected.
Sharp Rise in Detention and Bond Motions
In the first half of 2025, the number of immigrants detained by ICE jumped to 34,821. This is a big increase compared to earlier in the year. As more people are detained, there has been a nearly four-fold rise in the number of bond motions—requests by detainees to be released while their cases are pending. In January 2025, only 540 immigrants were released on bond, but by June, that number had soared to 2,536. This shows that more people are trying to get out of detention, and more are being allowed to do so.
At the same time, the median bond amount—the typical amount set by judges for release—dropped from $6,500 in January to $3,500 in June 2025. This is the lowest level since December 2007. Lower bond amounts mean that more families can afford to pay and get their loved ones out of detention. However, this trend may not last, as ICE has changed its approach.
ICE’s New Policy: Detain for the Duration
On July 8, 2025, ICE’s Acting Director issued a memo that changed everything. The memo ordered ICE attorneys to detain immigrants for the entire length of their removal proceedings. This means that, even if someone is following all the rules and showing up for court, ICE will try to keep them locked up until their case is finished. ICE attorneys are now told to oppose all bond releases at hearings. This is a major shift from earlier practices, where some detainees could win release if they showed they were not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
Legal experts and advocates say this new policy will make it much harder for immigrants to get out of detention, even if they have strong cases or family support. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to sharply reduce the number of immigrants released on bond in the coming months.
Courthouse Arrests: A New Tactic
From May to July 2025, there have been many reports of ICE agents arresting immigrants at Manhattan’s immigration courts, including 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick St, and 290 Broadway. These arrests often happen in public areas like elevators and lobbies, sometimes right after a person finishes their hearing. ICE agents appear to use lists to target specific individuals. In some cases, ICE attorneys even ask judges to dismiss cases so agents can arrest people immediately after court.
This tactic has created a climate of fear. Many immigrants now worry that simply showing up for their court date could lead to immediate detention. Some are afraid to attend court at all, which puts them at risk of being ordered removed in their absence.
Detention Conditions Under Scrutiny
On July 22, 2025, the New York Immigration Coalition released a video showing people held for days inside the ICE detention center at 26 Federal Plaza. The video documents inhumane conditions, including a lack of showers and clean clothes. Detainees and advocates say these conditions are common, while ICE denies the claims. Still, the video has sparked outrage and calls for more oversight of ICE detention centers.
Public Protests and Community Response
On July 28, 2025, protests took place outside ICE detention centers, immigration courts, and federal buildings in New York and other cities. Protesters demanded an end to courthouse arrests and called for stronger sanctuary protections. Community groups, including the Immigrant Defense Project and New York Immigration Coalition, are leading these efforts. They argue that ICE’s tactics violate basic rights and make immigrants afraid to seek justice.
Legal and Policy Background
Protect Our Courts Act (POCA):
New York’s POCA, passed in 2020, bans ICE from making civil arrests in and around state and city courts. However, it does not apply to federal immigration courts. This means ICE can legally arrest people at Manhattan’s immigration courts.
NYC Sanctuary Laws:
New York City’s sanctuary laws limit how much local agencies can help ICE. But these laws do not stop ICE from operating in federal buildings or making arrests at immigration courts.
Bond Hearing Process:
– Detainees can ask for bond by filing a motion.
– Immigration judges decide if bond should be granted and set the amount.
– If bond is granted, the detainee or their supporters must pay it to secure release.
– As of July 2025, ICE attorneys are told to oppose all bond releases, making it much harder for people to get out.
Court Backlog:
The immigration court system is overwhelmed. As of June 2025, there are 3,461,637 active cases. Only about 1% (34,821) of these involve people who are detained.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
ICE:
ICE’s Acting Director ordered the new policy to detain immigrants for the duration of their cases. ICE attorneys now actively oppose bond at hearings and sometimes seek case dismissals to allow for immediate detention.
Immigrant Advocates:
Groups like the Immigrant Defense Project and New York Immigration Coalition are documenting courthouse arrests and poor detention conditions. They organize protests and warn that ICE’s tactics create fear, deter court attendance, and violate basic rights.
Judiciary:
Immigration judges are seeing more bond motions and are granting more releases. However, they are limited by ICE’s new policy and the strong opposition from ICE attorneys.
Quantitative Data: The Numbers Behind the Crisis
- Detainees (June 2025): 34,821
- Bond Motions Granted (June 2025): 2,536
- Median Bond Amount (June 2025): $3,500
- Immigration Court Backlog (June 2025): 3,461,637 cases
- New Cases Filed (FY 2025 to June): 431,343
- Cases Completed (FY 2025 to June): 735,327
- Percent of Cases Involving Alleged Criminal Activity (FY 2025): 1.49%
These numbers show that most immigrants in court are not accused of crimes. The vast majority are simply trying to resolve their status.
Practical Implications for Immigrants
Increased Risk of Detention:
Immigrants attending court in Manhattan now face a much higher risk of being detained, even if they are following all legal rules.
Bond Release Harder to Obtain:
With ICE opposing all bond releases, it is now much more difficult for detainees to win release, even though bond amounts have dropped.
Fear and Deterrence:
The threat of arrest at court makes many immigrants afraid to attend hearings. Missing court can lead to removal orders in absentia, which means being ordered deported without a chance to defend oneself.
Detention Conditions:
Reports of inhumane conditions at the ICE facility at 26 Federal Plaza have led to more scrutiny and calls for oversight.
Step-by-Step: What Happens at Manhattan Immigration Court
- Arrival:
Immigrants come to court at 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick St, or 290 Broadway for their scheduled hearings. -
ICE Targeting:
ICE agents may be present, looking for people on specific lists. -
Court Proceedings:
ICE attorneys may ask judges to dismiss cases to allow for immediate arrest, or they may oppose bond if the person is already detained. -
Post-Hearing:
Targeted individuals may be arrested by ICE in elevators, lobbies, or just outside the courthouse. -
Detention:
Detainees are held at ICE facilities, including 26 Federal Plaza, where conditions have been reported as poor. -
Bond Motion:
Detainees can file for bond, but ICE now opposes all releases. If bond is granted, the median amount is $3,500. -
Release or Continued Detention:
If bond is paid, the person is released while their case continues. If not, or if bond is denied, they remain detained for the rest of their case.
Expert and Stakeholder Analysis
Advocates:
Advocates say ICE’s tactics break trust in the legal system, violate due process, and create public safety risks by making people afraid to go to court. They argue that everyone deserves a fair chance to present their case without fear of arrest.
ICE:
ICE says the new policy is needed to make sure people show up for their removal proceedings and to enforce immigration laws.
Legal Experts:
Legal experts point out that while New York’s POCA and sanctuary laws offer some protection, they do not cover federal immigration courts. This leaves a gap that ICE is using to make more arrests.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
Policy Uncertainty:
The July 2025 ICE memo shows a hardline approach, but legal challenges and public protests may lead to changes in the coming months.
Oversight and Reform:
Ongoing reports of poor detention conditions and courthouse arrests are fueling calls for federal oversight and new laws to protect immigrants.
Advocacy and Litigation:
Immigrant rights groups are expected to keep fighting ICE’s courthouse tactics and detention practices in court and through public campaigns.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- TRAC Immigration Court Data:
For up-to-date statistics on immigration court cases, bond, and detention, visit TRAC Immigration Court Quick Facts. -
Immigrant Defense Project:
Offers alerts and resources for those at risk of ICE arrest in New York courts. See Immigrant Defense Project Alerts and Resources. -
New York Immigration Coalition:
Provides news and advocacy updates, including reports on detention conditions. Visit NYIC News and Advocacy. -
ICE New York Field Office:
26 Federal Plaza, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10278
Phone: (212) 264-4213
ICE Official Website
Legal Guidance and Hotlines
The National Immigration Project provides practice alerts and guidance for noncitizens at risk of arrest in immigration court. Many advocacy groups also offer hotlines for those who need legal help or are at risk of ICE arrest.
What Can Immigrants and Their Families Do?
- Know Your Rights:
Learn about your rights in court and what to do if approached by ICE. Many advocacy groups provide free information and legal clinics. -
Seek Legal Help:
If you or a loved one is at risk of detention, contact a trusted immigration attorney or advocacy group as soon as possible. -
Stay Informed:
Keep up with the latest policy changes and court procedures. Official resources like TRAC and advocacy organizations provide regular updates. -
Community Support:
Join or support local organizations that help immigrants. Community support can make a big difference in fighting detention and winning release.
Conclusion
As of July 28, 2025, Manhattan’s immigration courts have become a flashpoint in the debate over immigrant detention. ICE’s new policy to detain immigrants for the duration of their cases, combined with increased courthouse arrests and reports of poor detention conditions, has created fear and uncertainty for thousands of immigrants and their families. Advocates, legal experts, and community groups are pushing back, documenting abuses, and calling for urgent reform. The coming months will be critical, as legal challenges and public pressure may shape the future of immigration enforcement in New York and beyond.
For more information on immigration court procedures, statistics, and your rights, visit the TRAC Immigration Court Quick Facts page, which is updated monthly with the latest data. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and connected to trusted resources is the best way for immigrants and their families to protect themselves during these challenging times.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Bond Motion → A request by detained immigrants asking for release while their immigration case is pending.
Removal Proceedings → Legal processes determining if an immigrant must be deported from the U.S.
Protect Our Courts Act → A New York state law banning ICE arrests at state and city courts, not federal courts.
Sanctuary Laws → Local laws limiting cooperation with ICE to protect unauthorized immigrants from enforcement actions.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE’s new policy detains immigrants for entire cases, raises courthouse arrests, and lowers bond amounts, sparking fear, protests, and calls for immigration enforcement reforms in Manhattan’s 2025 immigration courts.
— By VisaVerge.com
