Federal immigration agents conducted several arrests on Tuesday outside the Phoenix Immigration Court in Arizona, triggering strong reactions from attorneys and migrant rights advocates. According to Newsweek, the operation was marked by an atmosphere of “chaos,” as described by a lawyer who witnessed the events.
The arrests took place following immigration court hearings. Several individuals, some of whom believed their administrative procedures were complete, were apprehended without warning. Isaac Ortega, an immigration attorney in Phoenix, told the Tucson Sentinel that “people were arrested immediately after their hearings, even though they thought their cases were resolved,” Newsweek reported.
Ortega emphasized that the agents wore masks and displayed no identification badges, identifying themselves only as “federal officers.” His client, who had no criminal record and had legally entered the United States through the CBP program, was detained while preparing for a “credible fear” interview, a crucial step in the asylum application process.
At that point, the destination of the arrested individual remained unclear, with possibilities including transfer to a detention center in Eloy, Florence, or another state, Ortega explained to Newsweek.
Video footage shared by a KTAZ-TV reporter, a Telemundo affiliate in Phoenix, shows several federal agents surrounding a woman outside the courthouse. An official white vehicle, identifiable by its government plates, was parked nearby. According to the arrested woman’s relatives, she was notified of immediate deportation under President Trump’s administration.
Attorney Eugene Delgado revealed to AZ Central that he witnessed his client’s arrest, who was handcuffed after leaving a hearing. In the parking lot, he observed several agents in black attire, with one carrying a long weapon. According to Delgado, these actions might indicate a new approach aimed at intensifying arrests, regardless of judicial history, contrary to the previous policy that primarily targeted individuals deemed dangerous.
These apprehensions come months after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) modified its policy in January 2025 regarding arrests in “sensitive locations,” such as courthouses and medical facilities. This directive previously aimed to ensure immigrants could access judicial services without fear of arrest.
An ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) representative told Newsweek that the agency “continues its mission of identifying and removing aliens who violate U.S. immigration laws.” He clarified: “Any alien unlawfully present may be arrested, detained, and removed if found removable by final order.”
Regarding current operations, the spokesperson declined to comment “for operational security reasons and personnel protection.”
Attorney Nera Shefer, speaking to AZ Central, stated that “most will find themselves back in their home countries by tomorrow.” She condemns the violence of these arrests and their immediate impact on families.
Isaac Ortega expressed his frustration over the lack of transparency and his clients’ constant anxiety. “This constant navigation between different authorities is exhausting,” he told the Tucson Sentinel.
This operation aligns with President Trump’s strict immigration policy, characterized by intensified raids, the elimination of temporary protections, and a push to accelerate deportations, even for migrants without criminal records. The current administration’s approach represents a significant shift from previous policies, emphasizing immediate enforcement actions regardless of circumstances or individual cases.
Migrant rights advocates worry that courthouses, meant to be sanctuaries of justice, are becoming zones of fear and apprehension for undocumented individuals.
