Word of arrests started coming in Wednesday, when a 22-year-old man from Venezuela was arrested as he exited the courtroom where his case had been dismissed by a judge, said his attorney, Michael Hirman. The man was only identified as José due to safety concerns.

Government attorneys ordered to start dismissing cases so federal agents could arrest them outside courtrooms.

An attorney told KERA she saw at least three men detained after they had been told their deportation cases were dismissed. "When they step out in the hallway, that's where ICE is waiting for them.”