Anger builds over virus dangers in immigration courts

After mass action and school, business, court, and other closures, immigration courts, as reported earlier today on this blog, are starting the close.  That is good because, as Josh Gerstein reports for Politico, the Trump administration’s failure to close the courts has sparked anger from immigration judges, defense lawyers and U.S. government attorneys. “The administration’s decision to press on with most hearings has forged an unusual alliance, with the lawyers who advocate for immigrants and those who press for their deportation joining together to call for a temporary halt to hearings.” One lawyer tweeted from a small waiting room for an immigration court filled with 50 asylum seekers and no hand sanitizer.

Update from SD #MPP court: we are the only attys here so far w 50 asylum seekers filing in to the small waiting room. No hand sanitizer. One paper sign telling ppl to wash hands. So many little babies here today. #COVID19 #shutitdown #parolethemin

— Robyn Barnard (@robynyakira) March 17, 2020

KJ

UPDATE (March 18, 1230 p.m. PST);  The Executive Office for Immigration Review has responded to the criticism by postponing all non-detained immigration court hearings.