MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Immigration attorneys in Memphis are sounding the alarm after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began arresting individuals outside Shelby County Immigration Court—detaining some immediately after their hearings conclude.
Attorneys say the arrests, which have taken place at 80 Monroe Avenue—home to Memphis’ Immigration Court—are targeting individuals who show up in compliance with court orders. Immigration Court sessions are regularly held on the 5th and 8th floors of the downtown building, often out of public view.
“This is what happens to people trying to do the right thing by showing up to their immigration hearing,” said immigration attorney Andrew Rankin, referring to photos depicting recent detentions.
On May 22, eight individuals were reportedly detained. Among them was a single mother with no criminal record—not even a traffic violation.
“There is no precedent in my professional experience for this,” Rankin said.
WREG observed an afternoon session presided over by Judge Russo. The courtroom was small, with defendants brought in one at a time, many relying on interpreters. Most attorneys appeared virtually. No arrests were observed during the hour-long session, but attorneys say ICE activity is concentrated in the mornings, with detainees processed by midday and then transported to a facility in Louisiana due to a lack of detention space in Memphis.
“Defendants are told their cases are dismissed, they are free to go—only to be detained moments later outside the courtroom,” Rankin explained.
Once taken into custody, individuals are transferred to Louisiana’s detention center, where expedited removal proceedings begin. This process allows for quicker deportation but provides fewer legal protections.
“This restart of proceedings strips people of rights and accelerates removal,” said Rankin.
A witness described one emotional scene where a mother cried as ICE officers placed her into custody, while her husband and child were directed away.
Attorneys are caught in a legal and ethical bind: advising clients to attend court as required by immigration laws, while also warning them of potential detention.
“An attorney’s job is to help clients make informed decisions,” said Matthew Orr, another Memphis-based immigration attorney. “We can’t make those decisions for them—but we must be honest about the risks.”
“I can’t look someone in the eyes and promise they’ll go home to their children after court,” Orr added.
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the arrests as part of enforcing immigration policy under the Trump Administration. Under current immigration requirements, individuals who entered the U.S. unlawfully within the last two years are subject to expedited removal, and ICE is actively pursuing those cases.
Attorneys say this tactic—previously seen in West Coast courts—has now expanded nationally, reaching Memphis as part of a broader federal enforcement rollout.
For those navigating the legal system, experts emphasize the importance of understanding the full scope of immigration other issues and the rapidly shifting enforcement landscape.
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