ICE agents arrested at least four people outside San Antonio’s immigration court on Monday.
SAN ANTONIO — Outside the San Antonio Immigration Court on Monday morning, at least four people were taken away in cuffs by ICE agents and put on a bus.
It happened just steps away from where many migrants go to handle their legal cases.
Now, more local advocates and lawmakers are speaking out. Congressman Greg Casar spoke out with a message for one man’s case.
“I believe this will result in the complete collapse of the immigration court system and the destruction of our judicial system in this country,” said Casar.
Casar spoke in front of the court. He said one man, if deported, faces violence in his home country of Venezuela.
“You’re getting on a bus to god knows where and it doesn’t matter what your argument is. What is court even for then?” he said.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin provided KENS 5 with the following statement:
“Secretary Noem is reversing Biden’s catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This Administration is once again implementing the rule of law.
Most aliens who illegally entered the United States within the past two years are subject to expedited removals. Biden ignored this legal fact and chose to release millions of illegal aliens, including violent criminals, into the country with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. ICE is now following the law and placing these illegal aliens in expedited removal, as they always should have been.
If they have a valid credible fear claim, they will continue in immigration proceedings, but if no valid claim is found, aliens will be subject to a swift deportation.”
In a recent interview with CBS News, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons warned that anyone without proper documentation could be arrested.
“It’s not out of the ordinary for someone nowadays who is already in immigration court proceedings to still be arrested and detained by ICE officers, to then fight a case while detained,” said immigration attorney Carlos Casteneda.
Casteneda said his experience with immigration hearings is becoming more difficult.
“My purpose in this system is being made less and less relevant, and that is not by accident, and yet it is tragic,” he said.
As these arrests continue, the congressman is asking for more clarity and rights to be given back to those going through the immigration process.