In Central Washington, Immigrants Fear Going To Courthouses Over Chance Of Federal Entanglement

By Enrique Pérez de la Rosa
The Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata, pictured in November 2019, where federal immigration authorities have been spotted arresting undocumented people going to court since 2017. In front of the courthouse steps, Brenda Rodriguez with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network takes a phone call while a volunteer hands out “Know Your Rights” pamphlets. CREDIT: Enrique Pérez de la Rosa/NWPB
Nicolas was afraid of setting foot in the Grant County District Court. Members of the community, immigrant advocates and public defenders say they have spotted federal immigration officers arresting undocumented people at the court regularly. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, immigration officers do make arrests in courthouses but only against targeted Read More
Load More