U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents wrongfully detained a 16-year-old high school intern outside a Rhode Island courthouse, an incident that state officials have condemned as outrageous. The event has intensified calls for virtual court hearings to prevent similar encounters and protect vulnerable individuals.
On November 20, 2025, ICE agents targeted a 16-year-old intern at the Rhode Island Superior Court in Providence, mistakenly identifying him as a suspect. The intern, who was participating in a court internship program, was photographed by agents inside the courthouse, leading to heightened anxiety and prompting Judge Joseph J. McBurney to offer him a ride to school.
As Judge McBurney attempted to drive the intern away, ICE agents surrounded the vehicle, demanding that both exit. Agents threatened to break the car windows if they did not comply, creating a tense standoff captured on video by protesters. McBurney repeatedly asserted that the agents had the wrong person, insisting the teen was his intern and not their target.
After verifying the intern’s identity, ICE agents released him, acknowledging the misidentification. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson later stated that the agents were searching for a “child predator” and had briefly questioned someone who resembled the target, but no arrest was made. The intern was unharmed but shaken by the experience.
The incident sparked immediate outrage from Rhode Island officials. Governor Dan McKee called the detention “outrageous and indefensible,” attributing it to “callous and chaotic policies by the Trump Administration.” Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos praised Judge McBurney’s intervention, stating it prevented a wrongful custody that could have devastated the young person’s life.
Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell of the Rhode Island Supreme Court emphasized that the event highlights concerns about ICE’s operations and reinforces the need for enhanced virtual hearing options. He acknowledged the judiciary’s efforts to balance constitutional rights with public safety, noting that virtual hearings could reduce exposure to such risks for immigrants and others.
This case is part of a broader pattern of ICE activity at courthouses across the country, with reports of over 20 detentions outside Rhode Island courthouses since July 2025. Advocacy groups like the Deportation Defense Network have been monitoring and protesting these actions, arguing they undermine access to justice and intimidate community members.
In response, lawmakers and organizations, including the Rhode Island Bar Association, are urging systemic changes, such as expanding remote court proceedings. The Providence City Council has previously called for virtual hearings to protect residents from immigration enforcement tactics, and this incident has renewed those demands.
Looking ahead, the fallout may influence policy discussions on immigration enforcement and court accessibility. Officials like U.S. Senator Jack Reed have vowed to hold ICE accountable, warning that such incidents erode public trust and civil liberties. The judiciary’s commitment to exploring virtual options signals a potential shift in how courts operate to ensure safety and fairness for all.
