ALBANY, N.Y. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit from the Trump administration that sought to overturn New York's policies preventing immigration enforcement officials from making arrests at state courthouses. U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino ruled that states cannot be compelled to assist federal immigration efforts under the 10th Amendment, ensuring the protection of immigrant rights in court proceedings.
The lawsuit was a direct challenge to the 2020 Protect Our Courts Act, which prohibits federal immigration arrests in New York courthouses unless there is a valid court-issued warrant. This law was established in response to aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that occurred during Trump's presidency.
In her ruling, Judge D’Agostino stated, Fundamentally, the United States fails to identify any federal law mandating that state and local officials generally assist or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. She emphasized the constitutional limits on federal power, affirming the decision of New York to protect its residents from such enforcement actions.
New York Attorney General Letitia James applauded the ruling, asserting that it safeguards the rights and dignity of immigrant communities in the state. Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear, she stated, highlighting the importance of this legislation in allowing individuals to access the courts without intimidation from federal authorities.
The Justice Department has not yet commented on whether it plans to appeal this ruling, which signifies a substantial win for proponents of state rights and immigrant protections.
