Immigration Enforcement At or Near U.S. Immigration Courts: What You Need to Know – Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative

Do you have an upcoming court hearing before an immigration court? If your answer is yes, here is what you need to know about what is happening at or near immigration courts nationwide, including in Houston.

(Updated August 5, 2025)

Encounters Outside of Court

At a removal hearing in immigration court, the government attorney may ask the immigration judge to dismiss the case and the immigration judge could follow by ordering the dismissal of the case. In this situation, a wave of confusion but also relief washes over the respondent thinking that they do not have to return to immigration court. And so, the respondent leaves the courtroom…

However, as the respondent exits the courthouse, immigration enforcement officers are waiting for them at or near the immigration court. Without notice, they arrest and place the respondent in an expedited removal proceeding.

Across the nation, an increasing number of apprehensions similar to the scenario above are occurring. If your hearing is dismissed, it is important to know what risks you run, and what actions you can take to protect yourself.

What can you do at your hearing...

If this happens at your hearing, you as the respondent can:

Oppose the dismissal of your case.

Ask for a continuance (time and opportunity) to consult with an attorney about the consequences of the dismissal of your case.

If you are afraid to return to your home country, inform the judge, I am afraid to return to my home country.

If you have lived in the US for more than two years, inform the judge, I have been living in the US since [Approximate Month and Year] and here is the document proving that.

After the hearing, consult with an immigration attorney about the consequences of the dismissal of your removal proceeding and your options for immigration benefits. If you need assistance finding a competent immigration attorney, call HILSC Immigrant Resource Hotline @ 833-468-4664.

What can you do if you have a court hearing scheduled in the future?

If the court hearing has not happened yet, you may be able to request the court to change your upcoming hearing from in-person to virtual. Below is a step-by-step guide to request to change to WebEx (virtual) hearing. It is important to remember, the hearing is changed from in-person to virtual only if the judge allows it. Find more info here.

What if you are detained?

If, despite your opposition and request for continuance, an immigration judge dismisses your case and you are detained by immigration enforcement officers, you may be able to pause your expedited removal and have your day in court, where you may be able to present evidence in support of your immigration case. Do this by communicating and stating to the immigration enforcement officers:

If you are afraid to return to your home country, I am afraid to return to my home country.
If you lived in the US for more than two years, I have been living in the US since [Approximate Month and Year] and here is the document proving that.