One was arrested by immigration agents in the middle of his criminal trial in Boston. Another tackled by agents at a courthouse in New Hampshire, a third taken from his lawyer’s car and arrested outside the courthouse in New Britain, Conn.
They are recent examples of what lawyers and advocates say are bold intrusions on the local justice system by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement that mmigrants so fearful they are now reluctant to appear in court as victims, witnesses or defendants.
“This creates tremendous fear for people in immigrant communities, and not just those who are undocumented,” said Amy Grunder, director of state government affairs for the MIRA Coalition, a Boston-based immigrant and refugee advocacy group.
That’s because many immigrant families have some members here legally and others here without authorization, Grunder said. Parents detained at court may have children who are citizens; victims may have undocumented relatives who witnessed a crime, but could be detained if they show up to testify.
The struggles of illegal aliens.
