What Happened
New data obtained through public records requests reveals that federal immigration agents made at least 614 arrests inside Massachusetts trial courthouses during 2025. The figures, reported by GBH News on March 17, 2026, show that ICE enforcement activity in courthouses surged dramatically compared to prior years. The arrests took place across multiple regions of the state, affecting communities from Boston to the Gateway Cities.
For immigrants in Massachusetts who need to attend court hearings, pay fines, or handle other legal matters, this development raises serious concerns about safety and access to the justice system.
Where the Arrests Are Happening
The arrests were spread across the state, with certain regions seeing higher concentrations:
- Region 2 (including Fitchburg, Framingham, and other Gateway Cities with large Brazilian and immigrant populations) saw 140 people detained in courthouses over the course of the year.
- Region 5 (Chelsea, Boston Suffolk Superior Court, and Boston municipal courts) saw 136 courthouse arrests.
- Region 4 (Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and other South Shore courts) recorded 89 courthouse arrests.
The Chelsea District Court has been particularly affected. Between January 2 and February 28, 2026, there were already 10 arrests at the Chelsea courthouse. During all of 2025, that same courthouse saw 57 arrests.
Why this matters for you: If you have a pending court case, a hearing, or any reason to visit a Massachusetts courthouse, you should understand your rights and take steps to protect yourself. Having a pending immigration case or lacking immigration status does not strip you of legal rights when you enter a courthouse.
Why ICE Is Making Arrests in Courthouses
Under the current federal administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been directed to increase arrests nationwide. Senior administration officials have publicly stated a target of 3,000 ICE arrests per day across the country, and courthouses are viewed as locations where agents can find individuals who have been identified for enforcement action.
In January 2025, the Trump administration rescinded the prior policy that designated courthouses as "sensitive locations" where immigration enforcement was limited. Without that protection, ICE agents began regularly appearing at courthouses across Massachusetts and other states.
The consequences extend beyond the individuals who are arrested. Advocates, judges, and prosecutors have reported that immigrants are increasingly afraid to attend court proceedings, even when they are victims of crime, witnesses, or parties to civil cases like custody disputes or protective order hearings. This fear undermines the justice system's ability to function.
Massachusetts Lawmakers Are Pushing Back
On March 18, 2026, Massachusetts lawmakers took a significant step forward by rallying around legislation that would ban warrantless civil immigration arrests at courthouses and other sensitive locations. There are two key pieces of legislation moving through the State House:
Governor Healey's Bill
Governor Maura Healey has proposed legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from entering schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and health clinics without a judicial warrant. The bill would also bar warrantless civil arrests of individuals attending religious services and in courthouses.
The PROTECT Act
A separate legislative proposal, the PROTECT Act (Promoting Rule of Law, Oversight, Trust, and Equal Constitutional Treatment), would go further. It would ban ICE from using state or local resources to facilitate civil immigration enforcement actions and would prevent the expansion of 287(g) agreements between ICE and Massachusetts law enforcement agencies.
House Speaker Ron Mariano has stated that the House will vote this spring on legislative solutions aimed at protecting immigrants from federal enforcement actions in sensitive spaces.
Important note: As of the date of this article, neither bill has been enacted into law. Courthouse arrests by ICE continue to occur. The information below about your rights applies under current law.
Know Your Rights: What to Do If You Encounter ICE at a Courthouse
If you are an immigrant attending a court hearing or visiting a courthouse for any reason, here is what you should know:
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
You are not required to answer questions from ICE agents about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States. You can state clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent." This applies to everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Ask If You Are Free to Leave
If an ICE agent approaches you, you can ask: "Am I being detained, or am I free to go?" If the agent says you are free to go, walk away calmly. If the agent says you are being detained, do not run or resist, but continue to exercise your right to remain silent.
Do Not Sign Anything
Do not sign any documents without first speaking to an attorney. ICE agents may present forms that appear routine but could waive your legal rights, including your right to a hearing before an immigration judge.
You Have the Right to an Attorney
If you are detained, you have the right to speak with an attorney. Ask to make a phone call. Give the attorney's name and phone number to a family member or friend before you go to the courthouse, so they can contact the attorney on your behalf if something happens.
Document What Happens
If you witness an ICE arrest at a courthouse, try to note the time, location, number of agents, and what happened. This information can be valuable for legal challenges and advocacy efforts.
How to Prepare Before Going to Court
If you have an upcoming court appearance and you are concerned about immigration enforcement, take these steps in advance:
- Speak with an immigration attorney before your court date to understand your specific risks and options.
- Carry a "know your rights" card that states you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney.
- Give a trusted person your emergency contacts, including your attorney's name and phone number, your A-number (if you have one), and any relevant case numbers.
- Prepare a plan for your children in case you are detained. Designate a caretaker and make sure that person has the necessary legal documents.
- Bring only what you need to the courthouse. Do not carry documents from other countries, such as passports from your home country, unless specifically advised to by your attorney.
Special Concerns for Victims and Witnesses
If you are a victim of domestic violence, a crime victim attending court to seek a protective order, or a witness in a criminal case, the fear of ICE at courthouses can feel paralyzing. You should know that there are legal protections that may apply to you, including VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act), U-visas for crime victims, and T-visas for trafficking survivors.
An immigration attorney can help you understand whether any of these protections apply to your situation. Do not let fear prevent you from seeking protection from abuse or cooperating with law enforcement. Your safety comes first.
For broader guidance on ICE encounters outside the courthouse, see our guide on what to do if ICE comes to your door. If a family member has already been detained, our article on immigration bond hearings explains the process for seeking their release from ICE custody.
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