A federal judge has preserved New York statutes restricting immigration enforcement activities near state courthouses after the Trump administration challenged them as conflicting with federal authority. The ruling upholds the Protect Our Courts Act, which bars arrests of individuals attending proceedings as parties, witnesses, or family supporters, and two executive orders limiting state cooperation with immigration officials.
The administration contended these measures obstructed congressional immigration powers and unlawfully regulated federal officers. New York countered that the Tenth Amendment permits states to control their facilities and protect residents seeking government services without arrest concerns. The court determined a historical privilege against civil courthouse arrests supports the state law, while finding the executive orders do not preempt federal functions since local authorities may decline to assist immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Letitia James affirmed her office would continue defending immigrant community protections across the state.
The administration contended these measures obstructed congressional immigration powers and unlawfully regulated federal officers. New York countered that the Tenth Amendment permits states to control their facilities and protect residents seeking government services without arrest concerns. The court determined a historical privilege against civil courthouse arrests supports the state law, while finding the executive orders do not preempt federal functions since local authorities may decline to assist immigration enforcement.
Attorney General Letitia James affirmed her office would continue defending immigrant community protections across the state.
