In a sweeping effort to meet deportation quotas and instill fear in communities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched a series of arrests at immigration courthouses nationwide on May 20, 2025. These arrests targeted non-citizens deemed eligible for expedited removal, a process that bypasses court proceedings and fast-tracks removals. ICE’s intent is clear: to discourage individuals from attending their hearings, effectively undermining their right to due process.

Cities confirmed to be affected include New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Phoenix, and Seattle. ICE officers have been seizing individuals both inside and outside courthouses, some even detained in bathrooms and elevators. Victims include children, families, and individuals who had just been informed that their deportation cases had been dismissed. A moment that should have brought relief instead became a trap for expedited removal.

Plainclothes ICE officers prowl immigration court, 290 Broadway, in New York City.

Reports indicate that ICE is working in tandem with DHS prosecutors and federal judges to carry out these summary deportations. This is not an isolated attack; it is part of a broader strategy. On April 22, New Sanctuary Coalition member Rafa was detained during his routine Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) check-in, a stark example of how immigration enforcement exploits bureaucratic procedures to detain those seeking legal status. Endi, a minor and New Sanctuary member, was detained following his hearing at 290 Broadway in Manhattan, despite his pending case and upcoming court date. ICE continues to use check-ins and hearings as ambushes, targeting vulnerable individuals under the guise of procedural enforcement.

Missing a hearing or check-in can lead to in absentia deportation orders making individuals instantly deportable—a legal loophole ICE will undoubtedly exploit. With the January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14159, the scope of expedited removals expanded, making a larger population vulnerable to deportation without due process.

COMMUNITY ACTION—HOW YOU CAN HELP:

New Sanctuary Coalition court witnesses

CITIZENS AND ADVOCATES

Stand with non-citizens (whom we refer to as Friends) facing immigration court proceedings:

• Join an accompaniment group. Get trained to provide support in court. We are asking that people first attend one of our training, which take place online and in person several times per month. Find one and sign up at our events section. If that is not possible, reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll find a way to bring you up to speed. Translators (Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, and others) are especially needed. 
• Be prepared. If accompanying a Friend at court, carry their key information (full name, A#, country of origin) and, if possible, critical documents like a copy of their I-589 asylum application, a Privacy Waiver that allows you to receive information about them from the government.
• Amplify the fight. If a Friend is detained, call your local ICE field office to demand information and document all interactions. Share outcomes with advocacy groups to mobilize further action.
• Walk with Friends as they enter and exit their hearings.

NON-CITIZENS FACING COURT PROCEEDINGS

You have rights—know them, use them:

Beforehand:

• If you have access to a computer or smartphone with quality video-conferencing capabilities, try to have your hearing moved online. If you’re in New York City, begin the process by contacting the court or filing a motion. Watch hearings live here.
• If you have a lawyer, ask them to let you remotely attend the hearing from their office.

During your hearing:

• Assert your case. At your hearing, explicitly state your fear of return and your intent to apply for asylum. If you are worried about explaining your fear of return, ask for time to make your case with the help of a lawyer.
• Request written objections. If DHS moves to dismiss your case, ask why, and request time to provide a formal objection.

If you are detained: 

• You may be eligible for a Credible or Reasonable Fear Interview. The outcome of this interview can restart your asylum process. If you want this, tell all ICE officers you encounter that you are afraid of being deported. If they ask you questions or try to screen you before you are ready, demand a lawyer and time to make your case. There is no need to answer any more questions from an ICE officer.
• Appeal unjust decisions. If denied asylum, you have the right to an appeal.
• Know your rights in detention. You do not have to sign any documents without legal counsel. You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney. If you want to apply for asylum, say clearly:  “I am afraid to return to my country. I want to apply for an interview.” Ask for a lawyer to work on your case.
• Keep critical documents accessible. Have a copy of your I-589 asylum application ready to file immediately if needed.

The New Sanctuary Coalition continues to stand with Friends facing immigration court proceedings. Together, we fight back.

Uniformed ICE officers outside of Federal Plaza