Kansas City Protesters Rally Against ICE Court Practices

Kansas City Protesters Rally Against ICE’s Court Arrests and Expedited Deportation Tactics

Approximately 50 to 60 protesters gathered in Kansas City to voice their opposition to the actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), particularly focusing on the controversial practice of arresting individuals in courts. This demonstration took place at Washington Square Park, situated directly across from the Kansas City Immigration Court on Grand Boulevard.

The protest was sparked by allegations that ICE had arrested individuals during court proceedings, specifically at the local immigration court. The rising concerns over due process rights were highlighted by various speakers at the event, including Karla Jaurez, the executive director of the Kansas City Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation. Jaurez pointed out that there had been incidents in the previous week where individuals were taken into custody outside the immigration court.

Among the key issues raised was the expedited removal process. Immigration attorney Michael Sharma-Crawford explained that undocumented individuals may face deportation without a hearing if their cases are dismissed—an expedited process that he fears many litigants may not fully comprehend. He emphasized that such situations put vulnerable individuals at increased risk, particularly when motions are made by DHS attorneys regarding case dismissals.

During the protest, attendees showcased their solidarity by holding signs bearing messages such as “No ICE in Court” and “Protect Due Process.” Supporters of the immigrant community urged for immediate changes to the immigration policies that have come under scrutiny, particularly those enacted during the Trump administration, which expanded the categories of immigrants eligible for expedited removal.

Recent policy changes now include immigrants who have been apprehended more than 100 air miles from a U.S. border and who have resided in the country for under two years. This has raised significant concerns among immigrant advocates who argue that these policies place many families in jeopardy without adequate legal representation or options to contest their deportation.

Demonstrators at the rally stressed the importance of community solidarity and encouraged the public to stand against ongoing deportation practices. They pointed out that such actions negatively impact families, with particular emphasis on issues like a U.S. citizen mother being detained by ICE, leaving her children uncertain about their future, including a child with special needs.

Amid the protest, efforts to inform those who attend court proceedings continued. Advocates distributed flyers inside the immigration court that offered guidance on how to respond to motions from DHS. These flyers advised individuals to request a written motion from DHS and the opportunity to consult legal counsel before making any responses.

Despite the challenges faced, immigrant rights advocates in Kansas City remain dedicated to voicing their opposition to current immigration enforcement practices. The recent protest is part of a broader movement that has seen similar events taking place across the city, as community members rally together to demand changes to the established immigration policies and to call for an end to the deportation of individuals deemed “undesirable” under current administrative definitions.