New York has a long history of providing sanctuary for newcomers and immigrants to the United States. That shining record, however, is being tarnished by the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in courthouses across the state. In some cases, the arrests performed by ICE officials have been mistaken for kidnappings and have resulted in serious trauma not only to immigrant families but also to witnesses to these episodes. Enlisting the professional services of a qualified immigration lawyer in New York can provide immigrant families with increased peace of mind when dealing with visas and other immigration-related issues in our area.
An Increasing Number of Arrests in New York City Courthouses
According to figures compiled by the Immigrant Defense Project, there were 127 arrests by ICE agents in courthouses located across the five boroughs in 2018. This represents a thousand-fold percentage increase in city courthouse arrests by ICE over the 11 arrests reported just two years prior in 2016. Courthouse arrests have been a subject of considerable controversy in the legal community. The fear of adverse ICE actions can already reduce the willingness of undocumented immigrants to report crimes and to testify. When the courtrooms themselves are not safe havens, many immigrants may be afraid to enter these public areas to cooperate with law enforcement efforts.
The Right Legal Help for Immigrants
For those concerned about their undocumented status, retaining the help of the right immigration lawyer in New York is a good first step toward resolving issues with visa overstays, deportation proceedings and other problems that could threaten your ability to live and work in the U.S. By enlisting the professional help of an experienced immigration lawyer in New York, you can put the odds in your favor when dealing with ICE actions and other immigration proceedings.
At Pozo Goldstein, our NYC immigration lawyer team includes a former judge and two former prosecutors in the field of immigration. We work with you and your family to determine the best course of action for your situation. Call us today at 212-201-9031 to discuss your case with our team of experienced attorneys. Your initial consultation is free of charge and comes with no obligation. At Pozo Goldstein, we are here to help you pursue your own version of the American dream.
