Fact Check: "Hundreds of law-abiding noncitizens arrested in immigration courts recently."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that there has been a significant increase in arrests of noncitizens at immigration courts across the United States. According to NPR, over 100 individuals were arrested in immigration courts as part of a new strategy implemented by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to meet a daily arrest quota of 3,000 people. This tactic involves dismissing cases in court and then immediately arresting individuals as they exit the courtroom, often before they have the chance to leave the building. This has raised concerns among immigration lawyers and advocates about the due process rights of these individuals.
The Associated Press also reported that large-scale arrests began in May 2025, creating a climate of fear among asylum-seekers and immigrants who previously felt secure attending their court hearings. The practice of arresting individuals immediately after their cases are dismissed has been described as a manipulation of the court system to expedite deportations without adequate legal recourse for those affected.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that "hundreds of law-abiding noncitizens arrested in immigration courts recently" is robust. Both NPR and the Associated Press provide detailed accounts of the new ICE strategy, which has led to the arrest of numerous individuals who were attending their immigration hearings. The reports highlight that many of these individuals had been following legal procedures, including applying for asylum, and were caught off guard by the sudden arrests.
The reliability of these sources is high. NPR is a well-respected news organization known for its in-depth reporting and fact-checking, while the Associated Press is a reputable wire service that provides news to various outlets. Both sources have documented the experiences of individuals affected by these arrests, offering firsthand accounts that illustrate the impact of this policy.
Moreover, the New York Times corroborates these findings, detailing how the Trump administration's aggressive tactics have escalated the frequency of courthouse arrests. The reports collectively emphasize that this strategy is not only affecting those who entered the U.S. illegally but also those who had been granted temporary permissions to reside in the country.
Critics, including immigration lawyers and advocacy groups, argue that this approach undermines the legal rights of noncitizens and creates a chilling effect on those seeking asylum or other forms of relief. They express concern that the new policy penalizes individuals for attempting to navigate the immigration system lawfully.
Conclusion
The claim that "hundreds of law-abiding noncitizens arrested in immigration courts recently" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that ICE has implemented a strategy resulting in the arrests of numerous individuals who were attending their immigration hearings, many of whom were following legal processes. This practice raises significant concerns regarding due process and the treatment of noncitizens within the immigration system.
