Adams urges migrants to attend court hearings despite fears of ICE roundups.

In a recent statement, New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of asylum seekers attending their immigration court hearings in light of heightened anxiety within immigrant communities. This call for continued participation comes amid escalating concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions targeting immigrants attending court proceedings. Adams’ comments follow the detention of a Bronx public school student, identified only as Dylan, who was taken into custody by ICE agents after a routine check-in related to his asylum claim.

Dylan, a 20-year-old from Venezuela, was apprehended at a Manhattan immigration court, raising alarms about the national trend of detaining immigrants during court appearances, which some critics describe as a tactic employed by the previous administration to instill a pervasive atmosphere of fear regarding immigration enforcement. His case reflects broader concerns, with local advocates highlighting that the current environment has prompted many asylum seekers to reconsider appearing in court.

Naveed Hasan, a public school parent and immigration advocate, noted that the apprehensive climate surrounding court appearances is palpable within the immigrant community. He stated that many individuals are dissuaded from seeking justice out of fear. This sentiment was echoed in an amicus brief filed by the city’s Law Department in Dylan’s habeas corpus case, which contends that the actions of the previous administration have contributed to a legal landscape fraught with fear and intimidation, ultimately inhibiting participation in judicial proceedings.

During his weekly press briefing, Mayor Adams reiterated his commitment to encouraging all immigrants to attend their court dates, affirming that fear should not deter them from engaging with the judicial system. He assured the public that his administration has not collaborated with ICE on civil enforcement matters. When pressed about the apprehensions felt by immigrants, Adams recommended seeking legal counsel before attending court, acknowledging the need for guidance through these proceedings.

Many asylum seekers, including Dylan, often navigate these complex systems without legal representation. However, the New York Legal Assistance Group has stepped in to represent him pro bono since his detention. Advocates are now calling for enhanced protections for immigration court attendees to alleviate fears among migrants about appearing in court and facing ICE.

Given these circumstances, community leaders are urging the city to invest significantly in immigration legal services, estimating a need for an allocation of 0 million to support families in similar predicaments. These measures aim to ensure that immigrants can access essential legal support without the looming dread of potential detainment.

Adams’ comments and the ongoing advocacy highlight the urgent need for systematic changes to protect vulnerable immigrant populations as they navigate a challenging legal landscape. Local organizations and advocates continue to call for reforms that address the pressing fears of asylum seekers in New York City, emphasizing that legal representation is critical to ensuring justice and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.