Stop ICE From Turning Courts Into Traps

ICE is ambushing immigrants for doing exactly what the government told them to do: show up for court.

A federal judge just blocked most ICE arrests at three immigration courthouses in Manhattan after immigrant rights groups challenged the policy. That is a major win — but it leaves millions of immigrants across the country exposed.

No one should walk into court to follow the law and leave in handcuffs. Immigration courts are supposed to be places where asylum seekers, families, and other immigrants can seek protection, present evidence, and make their case — not traps set by ICE.

Tell Congress: ban ICE courthouse arrests nationwide and protect every immigrant’s right to attend court without fear.

This abuse does not stop at New York’s courthouse doors. Across the country, immigrants are being forced to wonder whether a required hearing could end in detention, deportation, or separation from their families.

That fear poisons the entire legal system. If people are scared to appear in court, due process collapses. Families lose their chance to be heard. Judges cannot do their jobs. And ICE gets to turn basic legal obligations into bait.

If the government orders someone to appear in court, the government should not be waiting outside the courtroom to arrest them for showing up.

Congress must act now. Lawmakers can pass national protections barring civil immigration arrests in and around courthouses except in true public safety emergencies. They can stop courthouse intimidation and protect access to justice in every state.

New York’s ruling matters. But due process cannot depend on your ZIP code.

Add your name now and demand Congress stop ICE from turning courts into traps.

The petition to Congress reads:

“Ban ICE from conducting civil immigration arrests in or around courthouses nationwide except in true public safety emergencies. Protect immigrants’ right to attend required court hearings, seek asylum, present evidence, and pursue their cases without fear of being arrested for showing up.”