Know Your Rights: ICE in the Courthouse

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been arresting individuals who appear at local courthouses for criminal or civil matters and those who are merely accessing court services. This advisory provides guidance for attorneys whose clients may be affected by immigration enforcement at courthouses.

ICE in the courthouse - A resource for lawyers 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been arresting individuals who appear at local courthouses for criminal or civil matters and those who are merely accessing court services. This advisory provides guidance for attorneys whose clients may be affected by immigration enforcement at courthouses.

Immigrants falling in the following categories are subject to enforcement action inside the courthouse if they:

  • have criminal convictions
  • are perceived by law enforcement to be gang members
  • are considered to be national security or public safety threats
  • were ordered removed from the U.S. but failed to depart
  • re-entered the country illegally after being removed
  • are perceieved by ICE agents to be present at a specific location.
Publication provided in collaboration with Professor Kevin Ruser.