ALT Screenshot of article 1/2: When Carlos's hearing began, the first 25 minutes seemed to be moving in a positive direction. The judge answered his questions patiently and thoroughly, telling him what he needed to do for the best outcome. She encouraged him to continue bolstering his case for asylum, which is most people's best shot for a legal path to citizenship or legal residence. She gave him a whole year to put together his case and find an attorney before the next court date, which she scheduled for August 2026. Just when the case was about to be adjourned, the judge asked the prosecuting attorney from D. H.S., who had been silent up until that point, if he had anything to add. He moved to dismiss the case, making Carlos vulnerable to immediate deportation.

ALT Screenshot of article 2/2: In a matter of minutes, this is precisely what transpired. While Carlos clearly stated that he wanted to continue pleading his asylum case, the judge accepted the motion and dismissed the case. An undercover ICE official who was present in the courtroom then texted another undercover ICE agent who was in the lobby to alert them that Carlos was leaving the courtroom and that he, as of a few minutes ago, had no legal status in the United States. As we walked out of the courtroom with this man, our colleagues got his and his family's contact information and prepared him for what was about to happen. When we walked out of the building, Carlos was immediately approached by two masked ICE agents, who handcuffed him and put him in the van.