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Going to immigration court can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of adults in the room, and most of them have serious jobs and speak in legal language that’s hard to understand. This guide is here to help you figure out who’s who, what they do, and how to recognize them. 

Knowing who you’ll meet when you go to immigration court can help you feel more confident and prepared.
 

💡 Tip: How to act in court 

Immigration court is a serious place, but it’s also a space where your story matter. The best thing you can do is be respectful and stay calm.  

  • You have the right to remain silent (especially if you do not have an attorney with you!). Anything that you say can affect your case, so if you’re unsure, it’s okay to tell the judge you want to wait and speak with your attorney first before answering any questions.  
  • When you do answer a question, speak clearly and always tell the truth.  
  • If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask – that's what interpreters and attorneys are there for.  
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, let them know. No one will get upset with you.  

You do not have to know everything and no one expects you to. Just be yourself, listen carefully, and follow directions. Everyone in the room has a role, and many of them are there to help you.  

ℹ️ Guide: People in Immigration Court 

 

👩‍⚖️ Immigration Judge 

What they do: They’re in charge of the courtroom and make the final decision in your case. 

Where they sit: At the front of the room, behind a big desk (called “the bench”). 

What they wear: Usually a black robe, but some judges wear more informal clothes for juvenile cases (cases with children) to make things less intimidating. 

How to recognize them: They’ll be the one asking questions and calling the case to order. 

 

👨🏾‍💼 Government Attorney (ICE Trial Attorney) 

What they do: They represent U.S. immigration and explain why the government thinks you should not be allowed to stay in the country. 

Where they sit: Usually at a table across from you, your attorney, or support person. 

What they wear: Business clothes, like a suit or professional outfit. 

How to recognize them: They’ll speak after the judge and may ask questions about your case. 

 

👩🏾‍💼 Your Attorney or Legal Representative 

What they do: They are here to defend your case! They help you tell your story, understand the law, and help protect your rights. 

Where they sit: Next to you at the table. 

What they wear: Business clothes, like a suit or professional outfit. 

How to recognize them: They’ll talk to you before court starts and speak on your behalf during the hearing. 

📌 Note: you do not have to have an attorney to go to your hearing in immigration court. However, having an attorney greatly increases your chance of winning your case. If you need help finding an attorney, reach out to us. We’ll do our best to help find you a pro bono (free) or low-cost attorney.  

 

🗣️ Interpreter 

What they do: They translate everything said in court into your language, and they will translate what you say into English. 

Where they sit: Usually next to the judge. The interpreter might also be in a different place, and they can call in and interpret over the phone. It’s likely that you will be given a headset/headphones so that you can hear the interpreter’s translation through them.  

What they wear: Regular clothes — not a uniform. 

How to recognize them: They’ll speak in both English and your language, translating exactly what others say and what you say. 

📌 Note: if you do not understand the interpreter or believe they are not interpreting what you say correctly, it is very important you let the judge know. 

 

👨🏾‍🦱 Trusted Adult or Support Person 

What they do: If you don’t have an attorney, this person can come with you to help you feel safe and understand what’s happening. 

Where they sit: Next to you or behind you. 

What they wear: Everyday clothes; dressed up to show respect. 

How to recognize them: They’re someone you know — maybe a family member, teacher, or mentor. 

📌 Caution! Make sure that anyone who accompanies you to court has documented status. Bringing an undocumented family member or friend to accompany you could put them at risk of being detained.  

 

👮 Court Officer or Bailiff 

What they do: They keep the courtroom safe and make sure that everyone follows the rules. 

Where they sit/stand: Near the door or off to the side. 

What they wear: A uniform, usually with a badge. 

How to recognize them: They most likely won’t speak to you or interact with you unless there’s a problem or they’re helping the judge. 

 

🧑🏼‍💻 Clerk 

What they do: They help the judge with paperwork and keep the schedule up-to-date. 

Where they sit: Near the judge, often at a smaller desk. 

What they wear: Business casual clothes. 

How to recognize them: They’ll be typing or organizing documents; not speaking much during the hearing. If you attend your hearing in person, you will likely check in with the clerk when you enter the court room. They will also pass documents between you and the judge; they will pass you a paper at the end of the hearing with your next hearing date, and they will take any documents that you are filing and give them to the judge. 

For more information, check out this article: Your First Immigration Court Hearing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

For info about how to check your case status, click here. Remember: check your case status at least once a week to stay informed on any changes to the date, time, or location of your hearing.  

Questions? Contact us! We’re here to help.  

 

Last Updated: November 13, 2025 

ImportaMĂ­ is a project dedicated to providing reliable, accessible, and relevant information to unaccompanied children and their sponsors in the United States. ImportaMĂ­ is part of Signpost, an initiative of the International Rescue Committee in collaboration with other agencies that creates digital help centers to empower people impacted by conflict, disasters, poverty, and violence.Â