A federal judge in New York has upheld a law that prohibits immigration enforcement from making arrests at or near state courthouses. On November 18, 2023, the ruling came in response to a challenge by the Trump administration against the Protect Our Courts Act (POCA), which aims to safeguard the rights of individuals attending court proceedings.
The court concluded that the law aligns with a long-standing privilege that prevents civil arrests within courthouses, thereby ensuring that individuals can attend court as parties, witnesses, or supporters without the threat of immigration enforcement actions. The judge emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and the integrity of judicial processes in New York.
The Trump administration argued that POCA obstructed federal law and congressional intent by limiting immigration officers’ ability to perform their duties. They claimed the law conflicted with federal regulations and undermined public safety. Nevertheless, the court found that the law does not interfere with federal immigration enforcement but rather empowers states to manage their facilities and protect their residents.
In addition to challenging POCA, the administration sought to overturn executive orders signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017 and 2018. These orders restricted state officials from sharing information with federal immigration authorities unless legally mandated and required federal immigration arrests to be conducted only with a judicial warrant in state facilities. The court ruled that these orders were also valid, reinforcing New York’s commitment to allow residents to access services without fear of civil arrests by immigration authorities.
The administration further claimed that both POCA and executive order 170.1 violated the “Government Immunity Clause” by unlawfully regulating federal immigration officials. The judge rejected this argument, stating that local law enforcement’s refusal to assist federal agencies does not constitute a regulation of the federal government.
This ruling marks a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates in New York, reflecting the state’s ongoing efforts to protect its immigrant communities from federal enforcement actions. As the legal landscape surrounding immigration continues to evolve, this decision underscores the delicate balance between state and federal authority in matters of public safety and individual rights.
