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Multiple migrants arrested by ICE outside Phoenix immigration court after hearings

Several people, including a Venezuelan man in his 20s awaiting a credible fear interview, were arrested outside Phoenix immigration court right after hearings, some after their cases were dismissed.

May 21, 2025Phoenix, ArizonaCountry of origin: Venezuela

Multiple migrants arrested by ICE outside Phoenix immigration court after hearings
Photo via Tucson Sentinel

ICE agents arrested multiple individuals outside the Phoenix immigration court on Tuesday, May 21, 2025, including at least two people immediately after their court hearings. One documented case involved a Venezuelan man in his 20s who had entered through the CBP One program and was preparing for a credible fear interview. Attorneys noted that some individuals whose cases appeared to be dismissed were taken into custody. The arrests followed a January DHS directive that reversed protections for courthouse arrests, a policy that had previously restricted ICE enforcement in sensitive locations. Similar enforcement actions occurred at immigration courts across the country, with agents in Los Angeles positioned to coordinate notifications when cases were dismissed. The Trump administration has expanded immigration enforcement by enlisting agents from multiple federal agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, DEA, ATF, and FBI.

Timeline

May 21, 2025—ICE agents arrested multiple individuals outside Phoenix immigration court, including people immediately after their hearings and a Venezuelan man preparing for credible fear interview
Jan 1, 2025—DHS directive reversed protections for courthouse arrests, eliminating previous restrictions on ICE enforcement in sensitive locations
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