LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – On Tuesday, six men walked into the Las Vegas immigration court for scheduled hearings.
By that evening they were in ICE custody on their way to a private detention center in Pahrump, this according to the UNLV Immigration Clinic.
In a statement, the clinic said each man was deemed not a threat to public safety. Some had already passed credible fear interviews, a critical first step in applying for asylum.
“This was unheard of until Tuesday,” said Director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, Michael Kagan.
Kagan explained these arrests send a chilling message – not just in Vegas, but across the country.
“When we attack the courts, ultimately everyone’s rights are in jeopardy because if the government can shackle people and put them in the back of the van without even a legal proceeding, they could do it today to an immigrant – tomorrow to a citizen,” Kagan said.
Immigration attorneys warn this could push people into hiding – afraid to show up in court at all. However, failing to appear brings its own consequences.
“We still want people to go to court because if people don’t go to court, they will get in absentia removal orders and can be picked up at any time forever and deported without any further court hearing,” Kagan said.
“You have to go to court, not showing up is probably the worst thing you can do,” State Senator Edgar Flores said.
Flores explained his office is now helping unrepresented immigrants submit remote appearance requests – hoping to protect them from potential enforcement near court rooms.
“The most important thing you can do is try to hire an attorney,” Flores said. “Number two, do not hire the first attorney you speak to. Speak to three or four different attorneys, get the best advice you can from those conversations. Figure out who is the best for the amount of resources you have.”
Kagan added he and his team are representing those six asylum seekers arrested on Tuesday and they will continue monitoring ICE activity outside the Las Vegas court house.
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