Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against New York Sanctuary Law

In court documents, the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that New York’s policy was illegal because it interferes with the execution of immigration enforcement operations. However, in her Monday ruling, D’Agostino found that, under the 10th Amendment, states have a right to refuse to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.

A federal judge has agreed to dismiss a Trump administration lawsuit challenging a New York policy that prohibits immigration officials from conducting arrests at state courthouses.

According to The Associated Press, the Justice Department lawsuit targeted a 2020 state law that restricts immigration enforcement activities in and around courthouses, except when agents have a warrant signed by a judge. The law, called the “Protect Our Courts Act,” was approved during President Donald Trump’s first term. It does not cover or extend to federal immigration courts.

In court documents, the U.S. Department of Justice claimed that New York’s policy was illegal because it interferes with the execution of immigration enforcement operations. However, in her Monday ruling, D’Agostino found that, under the 10^th Amendment, states have a right to refuse to participate in federal immigration enforcement activities.

“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. Nor could it,” D’Agostino wrote. “No such federal laws exist because the Tenth Amendment prohibits Congress from conscripting state and local officials and resources to assist with federal regulatory schemes, like immigration enforcement.”

A U.S. Department of Justice spokesperson has since said that “President Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda is a top national security and public safety priority that the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend whenever challenged in court.”

In a statement, New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office had asked that the lawsuit be dismissed, said that she is fighting for the “dignity and rights of immigrant communities.”

“Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear,” James said. “This ruling ensures that anyone can use New York’s state courts without being targeted by federal authorities.”

Sources

Judge tosses DOJ lawsuit challenging a New York law barring immigration agents from state courts

Judge Dismisses Trump’s Challenge of New York Law Barring Court Arrests