ICE Detains Rhode Island High‑School Intern Outside Courthouse, Sparking Outcry

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained and briefly questioned a high‑school intern outside the Rhode Island Superior Court, an episode captured on video that prompted criticism from state leaders and renewed calls to limit enforcement near courthouses.

The incident began inside a courtroom when the teen noticed someone photographing him; court security asked the person to stop in accordance with courthouse rules. The individual identified himself as an ICE agent. Shaken by the encounter, the intern accepted an offer from Superior Court Associate Justice Joseph McBurney to drive him to school.

Video released by local advocates shows at least six federal agents surrounding the judge’s car as McBurney prepared to transport the student. After McBurney opened his car door, an agent appears to ask, “Are you a judge here?” Shortly thereafter, a federal agent restrained the teen’s hands behind his back and escorted him from the vehicle while nearby protesters shouted at the officers.

The youth — whose name has not been released — was taken across a busy street in front of the Providence courthouse and was released after agents verified his identity, a Rhode Island Judiciary spokesperson said. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said agents were searching for a “child predator” and “briefly questioned someone who resembled the target,” adding the person was not arrested or taken into custody.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee condemned the action as “an outrageous and indefensible act that could have completely upended a young person’s life.” Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell of the Rhode Island Supreme Court said the episode underscores concerns about how ICE conducts operations in judicial settings and strengthens the judiciary’s push to expand virtual hearings so immigrants need not appear in person.

Protesters who had gathered outside the courthouse to oppose ICE activity shouted for the teen’s release; video from the scene captured calls of “Let him go!” and comments that the youth was a minor.

Advocates and officials have raised alarm since the Department of Homeland Security rescinded prior guidance that had limited enforcement activity at courthouses, warning that in‑person court appearances can expose litigants and witnesses to immigration enforcement. ICE’s public guidance says the agency generally does not detain unaccompanied children except in rare circumstances.

The episode comes amid broader ICE enforcement activity nationwide, including recent large‑scale arrests in other jurisdictions and announced deployments for additional operations.

Why this matters

State officials and civil‑rights advocates say the detention highlights the need for clearer safeguards at courthouses to protect access to justice and prevent enforcement actions that could deter people from participating in legal proceedings or put vulnerable individuals at risk.