In downtown Manhattan, Mercedes, a twenty-eight-year-old immigrant, prepared for a court hearing amid fears of arrest by federal agents. She was with her two children, one of whom was born in New York shortly after their crossing from Mexico. Federal agents have been present in government buildings, ready to detain migrants immediately after their hearings. Mercedes was set to attend a 'master hearing' regarding her immigration status, an initial court proceeding that outlines rights and responsibilities, but these proceedings now carry the added risk of immediate arrests by the Department of Homeland Security.
"At nine, Mercedes was scheduled to appear for a 'master hearing' in her immigration case. A master hearing is typically the first court hearing in such a case, during which the judge explains respondents' rights and responsibilities."
"Since the spring, federal agents have been lining the hallways ... waiting to arrest migrants as soon as they step out of the courtroom."
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