Migrants Arrested at El Paso Courts in New Deportation Tactic

EL PASO, Texas — Federal immigration agents are increasingly arresting migrants in and around immigration courts, often targeting individuals whose cases have been dismissed. This practice has raised concerns among immigration attorneys, who argue it undermines the fairness of the judicial process.

Attorneys from across the nation reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are waiting in court buildings, apprehending migrants right after their deportation hearings conclude. According to Gregory Zhen, Senior Director of Government Relations for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, this tactic has been observed in 13 states and 19 cities over the past two weeks. “They’re being fast-tracked for deportation and now are going to be deprived of getting a fair day in court,” Zhen said.

Historically, when a deportation case is dismissed, it is seen as a positive outcome for the migrant, leaving room for legal relief options such as seeking asylum. Michelle Brane, executive director of the immigration support group Together and Free, also reflected that dismissals once meant that the government had decided not to pursue the case. Now, attorneys express concern that such dismissals are being exploited to facilitate immediate arrests.

Priscilla Olivarez, a lawyer with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, witnessed several arrests at an El Paso courthouse last week. “We saw a mother and one of her young children zip-tied while her other children looked on,” Olivarez said, emphasizing that this creates a culture of fear within immigrant communities.

Videos of arrests occurring outside courthouses have gone viral, illustrating the tense environment for migrants attending their hearings. Outside a San Antonio immigration court, several individuals expressed concerns about being apprehended. One wife noted, “It feels like none of us are safe.”

Amid these developments, criticism has emerged from various immigrant rights groups who argue that such arrests represent a fear tactic. Luna Osleger-Montanez from the We Fight Back Coalition stated, “What we are seeing in courts across the country is a fear tactic. Plain and simple.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended these arrests, claiming they are lawful and necessary to enforce immigration policies. In a recent statement, DHS pointed out the transition away from previous policies that it deemed ineffective in handling immigration enforcement.

Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights, described the tactic as troubling. “This is very concerning because people need to make a decision about whether to comply with a court order,” he said.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association elaborated on the implications of these arrests, describing them as a betrayal of basic fairness and due process, suggesting they undermine the integrity of the immigration court system.

Marquez, one of the migrants arrested recently, is currently being held at the Otero County Processing Center in New Mexico. Initially granted authorization to remain in the U.S. for his asylum hearing, his situation reflects the broader challenges facing migrants in today’s shifting legal landscape.

Community advocates continue to rally outside immigration courts, distributing information about migrants’ rights, trying to ensure that those attending hearings understand their legal options.