Jesuit priests: We saw a kangaroo court in operation in the Rio Grande Valley

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Father Kevin A. Collins, of St. Eugene de Mazenod in Brownsville, has alerted the Rio Grande Guardian to a news feature about immigration and ICE arrests in America The Jesuit Review.

The article was penned by two jesuit priests based in South Texas – Brian Strassburger and William Critchley-Menor.

The feature is titled: “What we saw during an ICE arrest and immigration court hearing: the breakdown of justice in America.”

Here is part of the story:

A breakdown of justice

When Carlos’s hearing began, the first 25 minutes seemed to be moving in a positive direction. The judge answered his questions patiently and thoroughly, telling him what he needed to do for the best outcome. She encouraged him to continue bolstering his case for asylum, which is most people’s best shot for a legal path to citizenship or legal residence. She gave him a whole year to put together his case and find an attorney before the next court date, which she scheduled for August 2026.

Just when the case was about to be adjourned, the judge asked the prosecuting attorney from D.H.S., who had been silent up until that point, if he had anything to add. He moved to dismiss the case, making Carlos vulnerable to immediate deportation.

In a matter of minutes, this is precisely what transpired. While Carlos clearly stated that he wanted to continue pleading his asylum case, the judge accepted the motion and dismissed the case.

An undercover ICE official who was present in the courtroom then texted another undercover ICE agent who was in the lobby to alert them that Carlos was leaving the courtroom and that he, as of a few minutes ago, had no legal status in the United States. As we walked out of the courtroom with this man, our colleagues got his and his family’s contact information and prepared him for what was about to happen.

When we walked out of the building, Carlos was immediately approached by two masked ICE agents, who handcuffed him and put him in the van.

To see before our eyes this breakdown of justice was appalling. The undercover nature of the ICE operation exposes the entire process for what it is: shameful.

We share this story not because it is unique but because it is becoming normal. This type of kangaroo court, where the appearance of justice is kept by patient, robed individuals scheduling fictitious future court dates, betrays the dignity of our migrant brothers and sisters.

Brian Strassburger, S.J., leads a Corpus Christi procession at Casa del Migrante in Reynosa, Mexico. (Photo credit: America The Jesuit Review)

Editor’s Note: Click here to read the full story.

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