ICE Revamps Courthouse Arrest Strategies in Phoenix Amid Growing Opposition

Federal immigration agents have intensified their operations, resuming the arrest of individuals attending immigration hearings. On Wednesday morning, a mother and her children were detained after leaving the courthouse.

Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended over a dozen people in various locations, including hallways and parking lots, following federal prosecutors’ moves to dismiss their cases. These dismissals left them vulnerable to immediate deportation.

Similar events occurred nationwide, including in Seattle, Miami, and Los Angeles. Legal experts suggest that the actions are part of an effort by the Trump administration to elevate deportation figures by targeting individuals easily accessible at immigration hearings.

Federal agents have reportedly shifted their focus to individuals who have arrived in the U.S. recently. In January, President Trump expanded expedited removal policies, allowing for quicker deportations across the country, a significant change from the Biden administration’s previous restrictions.

This policy change means that officials can detain anyone who has lived in the U.S. for under two years. Reports indicate that many of those arrested last week fell into this category.

In Phoenix, this uptick in activity was marked by a dramatic arrest of a mother and her children immediately after they left court. Footage revealed federal agents escorting the woman, accompanied by an infant and a young girl.

One advocate, Ratt, characterized the arrests as “human trafficking,” criticizing the targeting of those following legal processes. She expressed outrage, saying, “These people are doing everything right, and it’s wrong.”

“It’s bullsh—. These people are doing everything right, they’re doing everything legally only to be followed and taken.”

Beth Strano, director of the Borderlands Resource Initiative, noted that ICE agents have altered their tactics due to pushback from advocates. Last week’s operations included plainclothes agents in court, but recent tactics involved surveillance from a distance to identify targets.

Strano emphasized the importance of having observers present during these events to inform the community about their rights. “The more that we observe, the better we can report back,” she stated.

While advocates managed to distribute informational materials last week, this week faced new challenges. A rope restricting their gathering area was installed by the property manager, limiting their proximity to the courthouse entrance.

Despite the opposition, attendees attempted to relay essential information to migrants about their rights. However, several missed their hearings, with uncertainty surrounding whether the fear of detainment played a role.

Strano advised that while arrests are a risk, it remains crucial for migrants to attend their hearings. Failing to do so may lead to deportation orders in absentia, complicating future legal processes.

Migrants should ensure they arrive with legal representation or observers to act if detainment occurs, she added. Those stopped by ICE should not exit their vehicle without a warrant.

In response to the rising concern, Arizona’s Democratic congressional delegation is exerting pressure on federal agencies. A recent letter addressed to Homeland Security and ICE officials highlighted the apprehension of individuals without criminal records attending their hearings.

They expressed that the arrests compromise due process for individuals seeking asylum or legal status, posing a danger to public safety. The letter emphasized that resources should be allocated towards genuine threats to community safety rather than targeting compliant individuals.

The lawmakers requested specific data on arrests made at immigration courthouses, including demographic details and guidance used for conducting these operations by June 3.