A US judge upholds a New York law that blocks ICE arrests in state courts
A federal judge has rejected the Trump administration’s challenge to a New York law that prevents immigration authorities from arresting individuals in or near state courthouses. The ruling marks a significant victory for immigrant advocates and state officials who argue that courthouse enforcement undermines access to justice.
U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino has dismissed the Department of Justice’s lawsuit related to the Protecting Our Courts Act, a 2020 law that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) work in court facilities. The Trump the administration argued that the law violated the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which gives federal law precedence over conflicting state regulations. But the judge ruled that New York had the right to defend its “sovereign interests” against federal overreach, Nevs.Az conveys, quoting Reuters.
Since Trump returned to office in January, ICE has increasingly targeted migrants who appear at immigration hearings, viewing courthouses as trusted locations where individuals must appear and are screened by security. The tactic has drawn strong opposition from immigrant advocates, local officials and legal experts, who say pretrial detentions deter millions from seeking legal help or following court procedures.
Under New York law, ICE can only make an arrest in a courthouse when it has a criminal warrant or a bench warrant signed by a judge. Trump-appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi argues that such laws threaten public safety, but D’Agostino’s ruling leaves New York firmly protected for now.
The Ministry of Justice has not yet commented on whether it will appeal the decision.
2025-11-18 10:08:00
