Mother of 2 Testified About Being Raped. When She Stepped Out of Court, ICE Put Her in an Unmarked Van

A New Jersey mother of two and former DACA recipient was deported to South America in February, months after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended her outside a courtroom where she had just testified against her alleged rapist.

The case, first detailed by The Atlantic, has ignited a fierce debate over federal enforcement at “sensitive locations” and the potential weaponization of immigration status by domestic abusers.

In May 2025, the unnamed victim provided testimony in a New Jersey courthouse, alleging her ex-boyfriend choked and raped her until she lost consciousness. As she exited the building with an advocate, ICE agents in plainclothes tackled her and forced her into an unmarked van.

Despite pleas from the victim’s advocate, local police on the scene declined to intervene, citing federal jurisdiction. The victim was subsequently held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center before accepting a “voluntary departure” following the denial of her legal appeals.

The arrest highlights a stark divide between advocacy groups and federal authorities.

• The Defense: Immigration attorney Carolyn Hines alleges that ICE likely acted on a tip from the victim’s ex-boyfriend, a U.S. citizen, using her status as a tool of intimidation.
• The Government: A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson countered this narrative, labeling the woman a “criminal illegal alien.” DHS cited a rap sheet including charges of aggravated assault and drug distribution, though Hines maintains those prior charges were dismissed.

DHS defended courthouse arrests as a “common sense” measure that ensures officer safety and utilizes existing security screenings.

This incident is not isolated. Investigations reveal an uptick in ICE operations at locations previously considered “safe zones,” including hospitals, schools, and military bases.

• New Hampshire: In February 2025, agents tackled a man at a Nashua circuit court during an arraignment for misdemeanor charges.
• Oregon: In January 2026, a family was detained in a Portland urgent care parking lot while seeking medical help for their sick child.
• Louisiana: Only last week, 22-year-old Annie Ramos was arrested at the Fort Polk Army base while attempting to enroll for military spouse benefits.

Law enforcement experts and domestic violence advocates warn that these high-visibility arrests create a “chilling effect” that undermines public safety. Giovanni Veliz, a retired police commander, noted that predatory criminals now target immigrant communities with the knowledge that victims fear deportation more than the crime itself.

“Survivors are refusing to report crimes or testify,” said one New Jersey advocate. “When the courthouse becomes a trap, justice becomes inaccessible.”

While the victim remains in South America, she expressed a desire to return via legal channels to reunite with her children. Meanwhile, the legal community continues to pressure the administration to codify stricter limits on where federal agents can execute civil immigration arrests.