Arizona Democrats Condemn ICE Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court

Recent actions by federal agents at immigration courts in Arizona have sparked significant responses from local legislators, as disturbing reports of arrests unfold. The situation gained attention following the release of a video by Puente AZ, a rights group, capturing a woman and her children being led away by armed men in police vests.

The video, posted on social media, has been a focal point for concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities at the Phoenix Immigration Court. According to Puente AZ, ICE agents have been present in substantial numbers, detaining families as they leave the court.

The Arizona Republic reported that approximately twelve individuals were handcuffed and detained on Monday, following the dismissal of their cases at the request of government attorneys. These individuals had entered the U.S. using the CBP One app, a Biden administration initiative allowing migrants to apply for asylum in the country.

The confusion for asylum seekers intensified in April when the Department of Homeland Security sent emails directing them to leave the U.S. within a week. Some recipients of these notices still had pending asylum cases or scheduled court dates, as highlighted by KJZZ.

In light of these events, Arizona House Democratic leaders, including Oscar De Los Santos, Nancy Gutierrez, Quantá Crews, and Stacey Travers, issued a statement advising immigrants against attending court hearings without legal assistance. “These actions go against the principles of due process, human dignity, and democracy,” the statement emphasized. They urged those navigating the immigration system to bring an attorney, a trusted friend, or a U.S. citizen to court as witnesses.

ICE has not confirmed the number of arrests or the status of children whose parents were detained. An ICE spokesperson explained via email that the agency, along with its partners, is targeting individuals eligible for expedited removal. “An immigration judge has reviewed DHS’s motion to dismiss proceedings and agreed that dismissal is appropriate in these cases,” the spokesperson stated. “All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if removable by final order, removed from the United States.”