How the arrest happened
Case dismissed, then arrested
The government moved to dismiss the person's immigration case and agents arrested them when they left the courtroom, in order to put them into expedited removal.
Documented in 7 states. Every well-documented story coded this way, grouped by state. See what accompanies it →
Arizona
California
Narciso B.: Orange County landscaper with three Marine sons punched by Border PatrolNarciso Barranco, an Orange County landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, had his deportation case dismissed after video showed agents pinning and punching him during his 2025 detention. He is now eligible for legal status.Santa Ana, California · Feb 13, 2026 · ABC7, NBC Los Angeles, ABC News +2
Asylum seekers arrested by ICE at San Diego immigration courtTwo asylum seekers arrested at San Diego's immigration court, both with no criminal records and regular attendance at hearings, are the basis of a lawsuit to stop ICE courthouse arrests.San Diego, CA · Sep 9, 2025 · KPBS, San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC San Diego +2
Florida
Rubeliz B.: Venezuelan doctor detained by ICE while traveling with 5-year-old U.S. citizen daughterDr. Rubeliz Bolívar, an emergency medicine resident, was detained with her 5-year-old daughter at McAllen airport while heading to an asylum interview despite holding a valid work permit; she was released the same night.Orlando, FL · Apr 16, 2026 · El Imparcial, Archy Newsy, American College of Emergency Physicians +1
Didie E.: Newlywed Cuban man detained by ICE after Miami hearingDidie Espinoza, 44, had just married his U.S. citizen wife when ICE agents handcuffed him in a Miami courthouse hallway after his asylum case was dismissed.Miami, FL · Jun 16, 2025 · CBS News, CiberCuba, Univision
Illinois
Person arrested by ICE at Cook County courthouse, violating state lawAt least one person was arrested by ICE at a Cook County courthouse on May 7, part of weekly arrests at courthouses since February totaling at least 12 people.Chicago, IL · May 7, 2026 · Block Club Chicago, WTTW
Valentina G. and Naythan: Asylum-seeking mother and U.S. citizen infant held in hotel by ICEColombian asylum seeker Valentina Galvis and her infant son, a U.S. citizen, were detained after a Chicago court hearing and held in an O'Hare hotel room for five days.Chicago, IL · Jun 9, 2025 · Injustice Watch, Chicago Sun-Times, Parriva +2
Mississippi
New York
Texas
José: Venezuelan family who entered legally self-deports after month in Texas detentionA Venezuelan family who entered legally in 2024 and awaited asylum hearings were arrested outside court and held a month at a Texas family detention center. After release, they bought tickets home to Venezuela.El Paso, TX · Apr 16, 2026 · Texas Tribune, KVIA
Yasmir M.: Venezuelan asylum seeker with work permit detained by ICE after hearingYasmir Marquez, a Venezuelan asylum seeker with work authorization, was detained outside an El Paso federal building right after his May 29 hearing. Agents cited a document saying his case could be reopened; he is held in Chaparral, New Mexico.El Paso, TX · May 29, 2025 · El Paso Matters, Latin Times
