A federal judge has ruled that most federal immigration arrests can no longer take place in and around three major immigration court facilities in Manhattan, marking a significant legal setback for enforcement practices that expanded under the Trump administration.
The decision by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel applies to immigration courts located at 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick Street, and 290 Broadway in New York City. The ruling prevents federal agents from carrying out routine arrests at those locations except under exceptional circumstances, such as situations involving serious public safety concerns.
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Judge Castel said that while the government has a legitimate interest in enforcing immigration laws, individuals must also be able to attend immigration proceedings and pursue asylum claims without fear of being detained simply for appearing in court.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by immigrant advocacy organizations, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Make the Road New York. Advocates argued that courthouse arrests discouraged immigrants from attending mandatory hearings and undermined due process protections.
The court’s decision effectively halts a practice that immigrant rights groups say led to numerous arrests of individuals who were complying with legal requirements by appearing before immigration judges. The ruling, however, is limited to the specified Manhattan immigration courts and does not apply nationwide.
Immigrant advocates welcomed the decision, calling it a major victory for noncitizens seeking access to the courts without fear of detention. Federal authorities may still conduct immigration enforcement actions at other locations and may make arrests at the covered courthouses when extraordinary circumstances exist.
The ruling has already drawn scrutiny after reports emerged that a man was detained at one of the affected court locations shortly after the order was issued, prompting questions from advocacy groups about compliance with the judge’s directive.
