Cases dismissed in court, then arrested in the hallway
Documented stories describe immigrants arrested by ICE agents immediately outside courtrooms or in courthouse hallways in cities including Phoenix, El Paso, Miami, San Diego, Chicago, and Natchez, right after judges dismissed their cases or during routine hearings. Several had no criminal records, held work permits, or were pursuing asylum; some were held for weeks or months afterward. First documented in May 2025, this pattern became recurring the following month and now makes up a smaller share of reported cases than at its May 2025 peak.
First documented May 2025, recurring since Jun 2025. A smaller share of recent stories than at its peak.
Share of each month's well-documented stories, Jan 2025 to Oct 2026. Volume is not shown: coverage grew over the record, shares did not have to.
12 stories in 7 states. What accompanies this practice →
Arizona
California
Narciso B.: Orange County landscaper with three Marine sons punched by Border PatrolNarciso Barranco, an Orange County landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, had his deportation case dismissed after video showed agents pinning and punching him during his 2025 detention. He is now eligible for legal status.Santa Ana, California · Feb 13, 2026 · ABC7, NBC Los Angeles, ABC News +2
Asylum seekers arrested by ICE at San Diego immigration courtTwo asylum seekers arrested at San Diego's immigration court, both with no criminal records and regular attendance at hearings, are the basis of a lawsuit to stop ICE courthouse arrests.San Diego, CA · Sep 9, 2025 · KPBS, San Diego Union-Tribune, NBC San Diego +2
Florida
Illinois
Person arrested by ICE at Cook County courthouse, violating state lawAt least one person was arrested by ICE at a Cook County courthouse on May 7, part of weekly arrests at courthouses since February totaling at least 12 people.Chicago, IL · May 7, 2026 · Block Club Chicago, WTTW
Valentina G. and Naythan: Asylum-seeking mother and U.S. citizen infant held in hotel by ICEColombian asylum seeker Valentina Galvis and her infant son, a U.S. citizen, were detained after a Chicago court hearing and held in an O'Hare hotel room for five days.Chicago, IL · Jun 9, 2025 · Injustice Watch, Chicago Sun-Times, Parriva +2
Mississippi
New York
Texas
Gerardo R.G.: Father held by ICE 60+ days after unfounded traffic stopGerardo Reyes Gonzalez, 44, was arrested as a passenger in his teenage son's truck during a disputed March 2026 traffic stop and held over two months. A federal judge freed him June 1 after community petitioning.San Marcos, TX · Jun 7, 2026 · CBS Austin, KUT, San Marcos Record
José: Venezuelan family who entered legally self-deports after month in Texas detentionA Venezuelan family who entered legally in 2024 and awaited asylum hearings were arrested outside court and held a month at a Texas family detention center. After release, they bought tickets home to Venezuela.El Paso, TX · Apr 16, 2026 · Texas Tribune, KVIA
Yasmir M.: Venezuelan asylum seeker with work permit detained by ICE after hearingYasmir Marquez, a Venezuelan asylum seeker with work authorization, was detained outside an El Paso federal building right after his May 29 hearing. Agents cited a document saying his case could be reopened; he is held in Chaparral, New Mexico.El Paso, TX · May 29, 2025 · El Paso Matters, Latin Times
