ICE arrests at L.A. courthouse met with alarm: 'Absolutely blindsided'

In a controversial move by the Trump administration, two women were arrested by ICE agents outside a West L.A. courthouse following a criminal hearing. This marked a re-emergence of tactics that alarm the legal community, as defense attorneys and advocates worry about the implications for undocumented witnesses in state cases. The silence from ICE highlights the lack of clarity and communication regarding these operations, prompting concerns about their effect on the judicial process and the safety of immigrant defendants in the region.

"Our client walked out of the courtroom and was followed by these individuals. Once our client was outside the building, these individuals... handcuffed her."

"We were absolutely blindsided by what happened... We received no advance communication, no opportunity to advise our client."

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