A federal judge on Wednesday barred the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency from making arrests in New York courthouses, a victory for immigration advocates who had opposed the actions. 

The ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Jed Rakoff blocked ICE from making arrests of anyone on the grounds of state courthouses or of anyone who is required to travel to a courthouse due to being a party or witness to a suit. 

What You Need To Know


  • A federal court ruling is blocking ICE from making arrests at and near New York courthouses.

  • The ruling is a victory for immigration advocates in New York who had opposed the policy.

  • A bill in the Legislature would codify much of what the ruling has put in place.

“ICE's increased presence in New York’s courthouses has undermined both public safety and our legal system, transforming our courts into another front in Trump’s campaign to terrorize immigrant communities," said Steven Choi, the executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition. "Like the stop and frisk policies of the NYPD, it represents another piece of the decades-long criminalization of people of color. As we celebrate today’s decision by Judge Rakoff declaring ICE arrests of people at New York Courthouses illegal, we call on the New York State Legislature to swiftly pass the Protect Our Courts Act.”

Democratic Sen. Brad Hoylman had previously introduced legislation barring ICE arrests in New York courthouses, calling the policy of doing so "cruel" to immigrants who would otherwise fear coming forward as a witness. 

“Judge Rakoff’s decision today validates the central premise of the Protect Our Courts Act: all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, must be able to safely attend court proceedings," Hoylman said. "Whether someone is a litigant or a witness, they should be able to participate in the judicial system without fear of arrest or deportation."

Hoylman's bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, would block ICE from making civil arrests in and around state courthouses unless they have obtained a judicial warrant or a court order. 

“New York needs to send an unambiguous message: ICE is not welcome in our courts. To permanently ensure the safety of all New Yorkers, this principle must be codified into law," Hoylman said. "That’s why I’m proud to sponsor the Protect Our Courts Act, legislation that’s supported by a strong majority of the New York State Senate. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to advance this crucial legislation.”