Judge Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Challenging New York Courthouse Arrest Law

U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino dismissed a lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice that challenged the constitutionality of the 2020 New York Protect Our Courts Act. The state law prohibits immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near state courthouses without a criminal warrant or a court order signed by a judge.

The Justice Department argued that the law and associated executive orders violated the supremacy clause of the Constitution by obstructing federal authorities. However, Judge D’Agostino ruled that New York was protecting its sovereign interests against undue federal interference. She stated that the Tenth Amendment prohibits Congress from conscripting state and local resources for federal regulatory schemes and that no federal law mandates state cooperation with civil immigration enforcement.

New York Attorney General Letitia James welcomed the decision, stating it ensures that people can use state courts without fear of being targeted by federal authorities. The ruling occurs as United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have increased arrests of migrants at court proceedings to support President Donald Trump's goal of deporting record numbers of immigrants. The Justice Department responded by asserting that the president's immigration enforcement agenda is a top national security and public safety priority that the department will continue to defend in court.