Court Watchers Blocked From Louisiana Immigration Hearings Fight to Gain Access

Court watchers blocked from Louisiana immigration hearings fight to gain access

Bonnie Byland stands for a photo in the lobby of the I Rivermark Centre building in Baton Rouge on June 17, 2026. The building, in the city's central business district, is home to the Baton Rouge Immigration Court, where Byland tries to observe immigration proceedings. (Photo by Robert Stewart/Verite News)Bonnie Byland, 66, believes that being able to observe immigration court proceedings should be a non-partisan issue. Whether they agree with t…

Court watchers blocked from Louisiana immigration hearings are fighting to gain access

Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. Bonnie Byland, 66, believes that being able to observe immigration court proceedings should be a non-partisan issue. Whether they agree with the outcome or not, she said she thinks most Americans can get behind First Amendment guarantees to public access to the courts.   But after attempting to get into immigration court in Baton Rouge 15 times between November 20…