In Seattle, a recent court session highlighted the urgent and often chaotic nature of the current immigration enforcement landscape. After an immigration judge dismissed a deportation case against a Colombian man, three concerned individuals immediately rallied around him, taking possession of his car keys and helping him memorize crucial phone numbers. They were aware that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were waiting just outside the courtroom, ready to detain him.
“ICE is in the waiting room?” Judge Brett Parchert asked, revealing the distressing reality many immigrants face in these legal settings.
As the deportation campaign initiated by President Donald Trump targets communities in predominantly Democratic areas, fear has intensified among asylum-seekers and immigrants. In response, legal defenders initiated a lawsuit seeking class-action protections against ICE arrests that occur outside of immigration court hearings. Meanwhile, an army of volunteers has emerged, demonstrating solidarity and support for those at risk of detention.
Comprising a diverse group of faith leaders, college students, retired professionals, and concerned citizens, these volunteers have mobilized at immigration courts nationwide to assist immigrants facing the threat of immediate detention by ICE officials. They help families navigate logistical challenges, gathering vital information and providing emotional support to individuals about to be taken into custody.
Stephanie Gai, a staff attorney with the Seattle-based Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, noted the overwhelming response from the community, prompting the organization to create a volunteer training video and produce multilingual “Know Your Rights” sheets. Community members eager to assist have signed up for shifts via a Google sheet.
“We could not do it without them,” Gai stated, highlighting the commitment of volunteers who often take time off work to assist.
Robby Rohr, a retired non-profit director, regularly volunteers, emphasizing the importance of being present for the individuals facing uncertain futures. “Being here makes people feel they are remembered and recognized. It’s such a bureaucratic and confusing process. We try to help them through it,” she said.
The arrests have introduced new challenges for volunteers and legal aid groups that historically provided legal orientation in immigration courts. Since May, the government has actively sought to dismiss deportation cases, only for ICE to arrest immigrants in hallways immediately following these dismissals, regardless of their legal pathways.
This expedited process can severely hinder the immigrants’ ability to secure legal representation as they enter an intimidating detention system. Judge Parchert’s court saw scenarios where he granted “removal in absentia” orders, allowing ICE to capture individuals who failed to appear in court, exacerbating the precarious situation many face.
In one instance, a Colombian man was quickly taken by masked ICE agents as volunteers gathered his belongings to return to his family. The swift nature of these arrests raises concerns about immigrant rights and the growing influence of executive actions in the immigration system.
A senior spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security defended the arrests, claiming ICE’s actions are a necessary enforcement of the law intended to reverse what they termed the “Biden’s catch and release policy.”
As disturbing scenes of detentions unfold in courts, many volunteers have begun recording these events, sharing the traumatic experiences online. However, the exact prevalence of these arrests remains unclear, as the Executive Office for Immigration Review has not released comprehensive data related to dismissed cases or subsequent ICE arrests at immigration courts.
While the majority of volunteers approach their work without incident, some have faced legal penalties for interjecting in the detainment process. Notably, New York City Comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested after attempting to obstruct an ICE agent’s efforts during a detention.
The presence of volunteers has proven essential for families grappling with the sudden disappearance of loved ones into the detention system, which can offer little transparency or information. One Spanish-speaking woman, anxiously awaiting news of her husband after separate hearings, found herself lost in the confusion as she sought answers in the waiting room.
Rev. Fabián Arias, a court observer, attempted to comfort her by informing her that her husband had been detained by ICE. Despite a judge giving her husband until October to find legal representation, the urgency of ICE’s actions disregarded the legal process entirely, prompting a wave of outcry from advocates and local politicians.
In El Paso, Texas, college student Brianna Garcia has been active in informing individuals of their rights and documenting ICE arrests. Volunteers often guide families to their cars following court appearances, providing a lifeline of support as they navigate a treacherous and often awe-inspiring bureaucratic system.
In Denver, volunteers like Paris Thomas have also engaged actively in the efforts. Handing out flyers outlining immigrants’ rights in both Spanish and English, Thomas resonates with the gravity of the situation, welcoming gratitude from those he assists.
“If we’re not all safe, no one’s safe,” emphasized Denver volunteer Don Marsh, reflecting a sentiment that rings true among this community of advocates.
As the nation grapples with immigration policy and enforcement practices under the Trump administration, these volunteers exemplify grassroots resistance and solidarity, ensuring that individuals facing the threat of deportation are reminded of their humanity amid a relentless system.
image source from：sentinelcolorado
