By Gladys Kolenovsky
As Federal Immigration Court observers, we arrive before the first docket cases begin in order to help the court respondents find their way to their assigned courtroom. If they are late, they will be considered absent and immediately removable. The relief when they arrive at the correct courtroom is momentary. The gravity of the situation returns. Once in the waiting rooms, we share coloring books, fidget toys and stuffies with the children who will be there for hours. The smiles from the children and their parents do not require a translation app. They have been seen as neighbors, not criminals.
Volunteers receive training from the American Bar Association and through Vecinos Unidos DFW (Neighbors United) to document courtroom proceedings and report unusual or questionable procedures.
As cases are called, we follow the respondents into the courtroom and identify ourselves as community observers. Observations and concerns are shared in reports, a court observer group chat and in twice-monthly calls with ABA representatives.
As Wilshire volunteer courtroom observers, we do not impact the outcome of immigration hearings, but we bring a calm, caring presence to a highly stressful setting. Our neighbors know someone was there who cared.