A Cuban migrant identified as "Óscar" was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as he left a hearing at the Immigration Court in Houston, Texas.
The detention caused shock among the migrant's relatives and concern among activists and lawyers who are witnessing an increase in this type of operation.
“He is harmless, he is not doing anything wrong”, declared a woman who claimed to be close to the family of the detainee, in tears, to Univision.
"We ask you, 'please, tell us where he is going. We are his family, we want to know, he is not a criminal. He has done nothing wrong,'" the visibly distressed woman insisted outside the courthouse, located in the southwest of the city at 8701 S. Gessner Road.
According to the account, Óscar had been in the United States for a year and a half and had applied for political asylum.
"He has already been to court once. This is his second court appearance," she explained.
"He did everything, but they dismissed the case... we couldn't speak with him (with the judge)," he added.
“Immigrants are showing up for their appointments, trusting the system. And upon leaving, they are detained as if they were criminals,” the woman lamented.
As they were leaving the courthouse with his family and heading to the elevator, an officer approached them and placed handcuffs on him.
Subsequently, as they were informed, he was transferred to the detention center in Conroe, Texas.
The denunciation of a troubling practice
Óscar's arrest was not an isolated incident. On the same day, June 9, at least one other person—a migrant from Ecuador—was detained under similar circumstances, also while leaving the Immigration Court in Houston.
Both individuals had their cases dismissed by the judge and had no criminal records, according to attorney Bianca Santorini, who does not represent the detainees but offered to provide them with legal assistance.
"What I am asking is that they give us the day in court, and they are unjustly taking it away from the people. From those who are coming, attending the hearings, complying with the law," pointed out Santorini, who was present at the location.
ICE agents infiltrated in the court
Santorini warned about the presence of immigration agents in plain clothes at the courthouse.
"At this moment, while we are speaking, four immigration agents are still inside. They are dressed like any other person, but it is known that they are ICE agents. They are sitting in front of the elevator," commented the attorney.
Even more serious is their accusation that individuals within the judicial system are collaborating with ICE to facilitate these arrests.
“They are not talking to everyone who comes out. They know which individuals coming out of court have had their cases dismissed. They are not in court, they are not in the hearing… obviously someone inside this court is giving information to the ICE officials,” Santorini reported.
A legal policy under review
When asked by local media such as Univision 45, ICE refused to comment on these specific cases.
Nonetheless, they confirmed that since January 21, 2025, there is a provisional guideline that allows for arrests to be made inside or outside immigration courts.
This practice has been criticized by organizations that advocate for immigrant rights, who view it as a form of intimidation and a violation of due process.
The call to appear with legal representation
In light of these events, Santorini urged all immigrants who must appear before an immigration court to do so accompanied by an attorney.
The presence of a professional can not only ensure a fairer process but also serve as a witness and barrier against potential abuses of power.
The arrests reported in Houston are the first confirmed in this city in recent weeks, although similar situations had already been reported in San Antonio and Los Angeles.
With this new precedent, concerns are rising regarding the use of confidential information and the way immigration procedures are being carried out in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about Migrant Arrests in Immigration Courts in the U.S.
Why are they arresting Cuban migrants after their hearings in immigration court?
ICE agents are arresting Cuban migrants without criminal records immediately after their hearings, where their cases are dismissed by judges. This practice has been criticized by activists and lawyers, who view it as a violation of due process and a tactic of intimidation. There are suspicions of collusion among individuals within the judicial system to facilitate these arrests.
What is the I-220A form and why is it relevant in these cases?
The I-220A form is a "Conditional Release Order" that allows the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions. This document does not grant legal status in the U.S. nor does it allow for status adjustment under the Cuban Adjustment Act, leaving its holders in a state of legal uncertainty. This is relevant because many of the detainees were under this form of supervision and were attending their check-in appointments.
How can migrants protect themselves when they need to attend hearings in immigration courts?
It is recommended that migrants attend their hearings accompanied by a lawyer and, if possible, by a family member or trusted friend with legal status. It is also advisable to prepare an emergency plan that includes having important documents readily available, as well as contact information for family members and the children's school. These measures can help mitigate the impact of a potential unexpected detention.
What changes in U.S. immigration policy are affecting Cuban migrants?
The current administration has implemented a fast-track deportation policy, which allows for the detention and expulsion of migrants with less than two years in the country, including those without criminal records. This policy has led to an increase in the arrests of migrants leaving their court hearings, which has been criticized by lawyers and activists as a violation of due process and a misuse of confidential information.
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