New York groups are helping immigrants deal with immigration arrests in courthouses.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are detaining immigrants after attending hearings on their immigration status. A Bronx high school student was detained in late May while attending a federal immigration court hearing.
As many immigrants worry about what could happen if they abide by immigration laws, Stephanie Mulcock, director of immigration legal services with the Hispanic Federation, said they should plan ahead.
“You can gather all your important documents, inform a close friend or family member where your documents are, and how to get them,” said Mulcock. “You can schedule a consultation with a reputable attorney or a reputable nonprofit organization that does have attorneys.”
She noted that attorneys can help people evaluate plans for immigration release or a standby guardianship so a person’s child can be cared for while they’re detained.
Despite concerns of detainment, Mulcock said people must still go to court since not appearing could lead to an in absentia deportation. She said people can ask for a virtual hearing.
However, state law should prevent this from happening. The Protect Our Courts Act protects immigrants from warrantless ICE arrests when attending court proceedings.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit to stop the law from being enacted, saying it shields dangerous immigrants from being lawfully detained at or on their way to or from a courthouse.
Mulcock said it’s a complicated and scary time for immigrants.
“These types of surprise detentions at immigration hearings are very difficult to deal with,” said Mulcock, “especially for community members who have children, who have jobs, have property in New York State. They pay taxes here.”
The Justice Department lawsuit also alleges the Protect Our Courts Act is a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. Some immigrant rights groups feel the DOJ lawsuit is a ‘frivolous challenge to law and order.”
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.