🚨 Immigrants at Risk: ICE Conducting Arrests Outside Immigration Courts

📌 What’s happening?
In recent weeks, local media and immigrant rights organizations have reported a troubling pattern in various U.S. cities: immigrants attending their court hearings are being arrested by ICE as they exit the courthouse—especially if they’ve been in the country for less than two years and their case is dismissed by the judge.

According to multiple testimonies, ICE agents are positioning themselves outside immigration courts, waiting for judges to close cases without issuing a deportation order. At that point, the immigrant becomes vulnerable, and ICE executes an expedited removal order under Section 235(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

This type of arrest has sparked fear and confusion among thousands of people who arrived through the southern border, particularly from countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba.

🧑‍⚖️ Attorney Vernal’s Opinion
“This is a very delicate situation. Many people believe that by going to court, they’re resolving their case, but if they haven’t applied for any kind of legal relief or don’t have an attorney, the judge may dismiss the case without granting formal protection. That leaves the person exposed—and ICE knows it. That’s why they wait outside,” explains immigration attorney Vernal, who has over 20 years of experience in immigration defense.

“The most important thing is that the community acts based on information and strategy, not fear. There are legal options for protection, but people must act before it’s too late.”

⚖️ What legal options does an immigrant have to avoid expedited removal?
Here’s a clear and simple breakdown of the available legal options:

✅ 1. Attend your court hearing and apply for immigration relief
Not attending without a valid reason may result in an in absentia removal order. If you haven’t yet filed for asylum, cancellation of removal, or other relief, it’s urgent to do so.
✔️ Tip: Bring evidence, seek legal advice, and be prepared to ask for more time if you’re still gathering documents.

✅ 2. Request a court venue or date change
If you’ve moved or need more time to prepare, you can request:

• A change of venue, or

• A motion for continuance

These requests must be made in writing and, preferably, with an attorney’s help.

✅ 3. If you can’t attend, justify your absence
If there was a legitimate reason you couldn’t appear (health issues, accident, domestic violence, notification error), you can file a motion to reopen your case.

✅ 4. If ICE attempts to arrest you, request a credible fear interview
If you haven’t applied for asylum and are detained by ICE, you can request a credible fear interview to avoid immediate deportation.

✅ 5. If your case was dismissed without prejudice, you can still apply for affirmative asylum
You may submit your application directly to USCIS, as long as you are within the first year of entering the U.S.

📲 What should you do now?
👉 If you or a family member are scheduled for court, or if your case was already closed, it’s time to act.
Attorney Vernal and his team are offering free consultations to review your legal situation and provide a personalized strategy to protect you from potential detention.
🧑‍⚖️ Book your appointment now via WhatsApp:
📲 https://wa.me/18338877273

🧠 Remember:
Immigration law is constantly changing. Being informed and acting promptly can be the difference between staying with your family or being deported.