Attorney General Letitia James on Monday asked a federal court to halt U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from making arrests in immigration courthouses, calling the practice unlawful and dangerous.
In a filing with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, James argued that courthouse arrests deter immigrants from attending hearings, testifying in cases, or seeking court protections. She said the policy undermines public safety and threatens the integrity of the justice system.
“Courthouses are dedicated to the pursuit of justice, not targeted harassment and arrests,” James said in a statement. “With these cruel and unlawful courthouse arrests, the federal government is weaponizing fear to push immigrants into the shadows, drive families apart, and risk everyone’s safety. I will not stand by while New Yorkers are stripped of their rights and our courts are used for intimidation.”
Her office warned that the arrests separate families, destabilize households, and create lasting trauma for children. James also pointed to a 2020 court victory and state law that barred immigration arrests in state courthouses, arguing the federal government’s new policy revives the same harms.
James is urging the court to block enforcement of the policy while litigation continues.
