Immigration Courthouses Were Once Mostly Off Limits to ICE. Not Anymore.
For years, immigration courthouses were considered safe zones where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents generally refrained from making arrests. These spaces were seen as protected areas to ensure that individuals could attend their legal proceedings without fear of immediate detention.
However, this approach has shifted recently. ICE has started increasing its presence in and around immigration courthouses, making it more common for individuals to be detained during or after their court appearances. This change has sparked concerns among advocates and legal experts about access to justice and due process for immigrants.
The evolving enforcement tactics underscore the challenges faced by those navigating the immigration system and highlight the ongoing debate over policies governing immigrant rights and law enforcement.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/podcasts/the-hand-that-rocks-the-gavel.html