Fact check: Are illegals getting deported when showing up to court appointments

1. Summary of the results

Yes, undocumented immigrants are being detained at court appointments, with multiple sources confirming systematic arrests by ICE officers at immigration courts across the United States. These arrests are occurring:

• Immediately after court hearings, even when cases are dismissed ^[1]
• In at least 13 states and 19 cities, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association ^[2]
• By federal agents wearing masks who strategically position themselves in courthouse hallways ^[3]
• Through a new policy implemented in May 2025 ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original question:

• 67% of people facing deportation lack legal representation ^[5]
• Not attending court hearings automatically results in a deportation order ^[4]
• These arrests are creating "disorderly scenes" and family separations ^[3]
• The practice is being criticized for undermining due process rights ^[2]
• Specific cases have been documented, such as Julio David Pérez Rodríguez, who was handcuffed after his hearing ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's use of the term "illegals" is problematic and dehumanizing. Several stakeholders have different interests in this situation:

*Benefits from current policy:

• Immigration enforcement agencies gain easier access to undocumented individuals
• Politicians supporting stricter immigration policies can claim increased enforcement

Opposed to current policy:*

• Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups argue this undermines due process ^[2]
• Immigrant communities face increased fear and trauma ^[2]
• Legal organizations concerned about access to justice
• Families facing separation ^[3]

The practice appears to be part of a broader "accelerating crackdown" on undocumented immigrants ^[3], suggesting a deliberate policy shift rather than isolated incidents.