As ICE agents in plain clothes arrested Wilson Martell-Lebron—an undocumented man on trial in Boston—right outside the courthouse, many in the legal community were left asking the same question: Is this justice? The arrest, carried out by a testifying witness in his criminal case, wasn't just a shocking breach of decorum—it was a chilling reminder of a tactic many thought had been left behind.
At Saluja Law, we stand firmly against courthouse arrests that weaponize the justice system to intimidate, silence, and destabilize immigrant communities. The recent wave of ICE operations in and around courthouses—spanning at least seven states since January—is not about justice or community safety. It's about control and coercion.
The Boston Case: When a Witness Becomes the Arresting Officer
Wilson Martell-Lebron, accused of using a false name to apply for a driver's license in 2020, was arrested by ICE agents immediately after the first day of his jury trial. His defense attorney watched in disbelief as the agents, dressed like civilians, handcuffed his client and forced him into an unmarked SUV. One of the arresting agents was also a government witness in the trial. The judge later held that agent in contempt for interfering with the trial—though the contempt charge was ultimately dismissed.
Wilson's fate was sealed. He was detained for weeks and, his attorney believes, deported—his trial abandoned.
Not an Isolated Incident
Across the U.S., courthouse arrests are accelerating. CNN has confirmed at least 12 ICE arrests at courthouses in Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In many of these cases, the ICE agents wore plain clothes, masks, or disguised their presence—creating dangerous confusion and fear.
Let's be clear: these are not high-risk SWAT operations to stop imminent threats. These are soft-target ambushes, often involving individuals with minor charges or even dropped cases. One man in Charlottesville, Virginia, was arrested inside the courthouse minutes after a misdemeanor assault charge was dismissed. Another in Ohio was detained during what was supposed to be a routine ankle monitor check-in.
Eroding the Foundation of Justice
Courthouse arrests don't just target individuals—they undermine the entire legal system. When immigrants fear showing up to court for traffic tickets, custody disputes, or as witnesses in criminal cases, justice breaks down. Victims remain silent. Witnesses disappear. Survivors of domestic abuse stay home rather than risk deportation.
During the Trump administration, New York saw ICE courthouse operations increase by nearly 1,500% in one year. The result? Nonprofits reported drastic declines in legal assistance for gender-based violence victims. Fewer orders of protection were issued. Abusers grew bolder. Survivors were left without help.
And now, history is repeating itself.
A Legal System or a Trap?
The irony is staggering. ICE claims its operations uphold public safety and the rule of law—yet these arrests interrupt trials, threaten due process, and discourage civic participation. If ICE's interest is in lawful prosecution, then derailing court proceedings and intimidating defendants does the opposite.
Courthouses should be safe zones, not traps. Yet DHS insists on defending these tactics, even as local judges, public defenders, and advocates push back.
Where Do We Go from Here?
State and local governments must act swiftly. Some already have. In Columbus, Ohio, court rules now prohibit courthouse arrests without judicial warrants. More jurisdictions should follow suit.
And for those who fear retaliation just for seeking legal help: you are not alone.
At Saluja Law, we will continue to defend the dignity, due process, and constitutional rights of every person—regardless of status. We urge Congress, state legislators, and the judiciary to take a stand before more lives are upended, more families are separated, and more trust in our legal system is lost.
📞 If you or a loved one are facing ICE enforcement, need representation in immigration or criminal court, or are unsure of your rights—contact us immediately.
Justice must be blind, not weaponized.