Migrants Caught in a Dilemma: Attend Court Hearings or Face Deportation

Federal immigration enforcement agents have intensified their activities at the Phoenix Immigration Courthouse, detaining migrants shortly after their cases were dismissed. This tactic appears designed to limit visibility from both media and activists, raising concerns within the immigrant community.

Berta, a 48-year-old woman who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her experience after attending a mandatory hearing. “It’s been 28 years,” she said, reflecting on her time in the U.S., which has exceeded her life in Mexico. She fears returning, having sought legal assistance to prevent deportation.

On Thursday, after the dismissal of her case, Berta and her lawyer, Erica Sanchez, noticed ICE agents waiting outside. As they exited the courtroom, the pair quickly took refuge in a bathroom to avoid detention. They later managed to leave the courthouse with the help of immigrant rights advocates.

This situation is part of a broader trend, as the Trump administration increases its deportation efforts. Legal experts criticize the administration’s recent strategy of conducting raids at courthouses, targeting those attending immigration hearings. In Phoenix, several individuals have been detained shortly after their cases were dismissed.

The pattern continued during Berta’s hearing. Immediately following the case dismissal, ICE agents were near the exit, prompting Berta and Sanchez to make a hasty decision to avoid capture. They managed to evade a federal agent who was pursuing them as they left in a vehicle.

Immigrant advocates have noted that ICE’s new strategy of detaining individuals away from courthouse lobbies complicates efforts to monitor these activities. Reports suggest at least one person was arrested in a surrounding area, but the full extent of the detentions remains unclear.

Community organizations have mobilized to counter ICE actions. Groups like Indivisible, Common Defense, and others coordinated to keep watch on ICE movements, utilizing text and walkie-talkie communication. They alerted migrants about ICE’s presence and provided support.

When one immigrant’s case was dismissed, an advocate, identified only as “P,” assisted her in reaching safety, ensuring she received a ride home. He expressed disbelief at the surveillance tactics employed against individuals seeking legal asylum.

Artie, another community member with a personal history in the immigration system, joined the protest. After immigrating from Mexico in 1979, he empathized with the fear faced by those attending their hearings, describing ICE’s tactics as “crazy.”

Despite the looming threat of detention, many migrants feel compelled to attend their hearings. Skipping a hearing could result in automatic deportation, making the existing legal process even more complicated.

Carlos accompanied his wife to the court on Thursday, remaining anxiously aware of his surroundings while she attended her hearing. He expressed his fears, stating, “It almost makes you not want to show up,” yet understood the importance of participating in the legal process.