For the past two months a new grim reality has emerged for immigrants with immigration court hearings. They would show up to their hearing, then the ICE attorneys would demand dismissal, and under Trump’s new guidance for judges – the judge would dismiss the removal proceedings. ICE would then immediately arrest and detain the immigrant and start new EXPEDITED deportation proceedings on the spot, detaining them immediately. Now, immigrants showing up to immigration court are being met with fear and betrayal. Imagine this: you prepare to fight your case, stand before a judge, and instead of a fair hearing, you’re handcuffed and taken away by ICE—right there in the courtroom. This has become a cruel trend across the country. But there is hope that this inhumane practice may finally come to an end. A class action lawsuit may be the hope we all were waiting for.
A Dangerous Practice That May Be Ending
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a disturbing increase in cases where removal proceedings are dismissed in court—only for ICE officers to immediately arrest the respondent in the courtroom hallway. These arrests often lead to rapid deportations, without proper legal process or time for families to act. Many of these immigrants have lived in the U.S. for years, have families, jobs, and valid legal claims to stay.
Now, there is a powerful legal effort underway to challenge these tactics. Immigration advocates are fighting back, demanding that the government stop turning immigration court into a trap. If successful, this push could put an end to the fear that has haunted so many families across the country.
A recently filed lawsuit alleges that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice are working together in an unlawful conspiracy to deny noncitizens fundamental due process by targeting individuals for arrest as they appear for their scheduled immigration court hearings.
This lawsuit follows recent revelations from former immigration judges who have raised concerns that the system is being dismantled in favor of fast-track deportations, particularly under the renewed leadership of President Donald Trump.
A former top official from Chicago’s immigration court confirmed this week that she and her counterparts nationwide were directed by the DOJ to ease dismissal standards in immigration cases. Once these cases were dismissed, ICE officers were reportedly positioned in courtrooms to detain the individuals immediately afterward.
This potential class-action lawsuit was filed by a coalition of immigrant rights groups, including one based in Chicago, and represents a dozen individuals who were arrested at or after appearing in court. The plaintiffs claim they were suddenly torn from their families after taking a required step in their legal process to remain in the U.S.
The litigation director for one of the lead organizations called this practice an extreme shift in immigration enforcement, highlighting that people are being removed from standard proceedings—where they have more legal protections—and placed into fast-tracked removal processes with fewer rights.
Why This Matters for You
If this abusive policy is stopped, it will restore integrity to the immigration court system. You should be able to attend your hearing without fearing arrest. You should have the chance to present your case, submit evidence, and be heard. That is what due process looks like—and that’s what we’re fighting for.
We Are Here to Help
At Shepelsky Law Group, we are closely following these developments. We are prepared to protect our clients and ensure that you get a fair chance at immigration relief. Whether you’re seeking asylum, cancellation of removal, or another form of relief, we will stand by your side and fight for your rights.
If you or a loved one has an upcoming court date, now is the time to act. Don’t wait until it’s too late. With strong legal representation, your chances of success improve dramatically—and we are here to help make that happen.
Book a paid consultation with Shepelsky Law Group team today. Let’s start your path to legal status and protect you from unfair tactics. We fight for immigrants. Always.