The U.S. Department of Justice has sued New York over its “Protect Our Courts Act,” arguing the law intentionally shields even dangerous individuals from lawful federal detention. The agency also criticized the law for criminalizing federal agents who violate the protections, essentially arguing it punishes them for doing their job.
“Through these enactments, New York obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates the evasion of federal law by dangerous criminals, notwithstanding federal agents’ statutory mandate to detain and remove illegal aliens,” the complaint states.
The department argued that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which gives federal law priority over state and local statute, should nullify the New York law.
The lawsuit came as nationwide enforcement operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement got underway. One tactic included targeting immigrants residing in the United States illegally who showed up for routine hearings at federal immigration courts.
Supporters say law ensures due process
Supporters of New York’s Protect Our Courts Act said the law is vital for maintaining public safety and due process, ensuring people aren’t afraid to appear in court.
Jess D’Amelia, a spokeswoman for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, told The New York Times the lawsuit was an apparent “waste of federal resources.”
“It’s important that witnesses, victims, and ordinary people can make use of our court system and feel safe in our courthouses and other state facilities,” D’Amelia said in a statement. “There is no sanctuary in New York for people who commit crimes.”
Immigrant Defense Project condemns DOJ lawsuit
The Immigrant Defense Project, an organization focused on protecting immigrant rights, strongly condemned the DOJ’s legal action.
“The Trump administration has not hesitated to use the courthouse trap. Recently, people who appear at mandatory immigration court hearings and check-ins have been ripped from their loved ones and detained. As a result, the hallways of federal buildings are lined with families crying, scared, and confused,” officials with the organization said in a statement.
Federal enforcement expands beyond New York
The DOJ was actively pursuing legal action against other local governments it believed were interfering with the federal government’s authority over immigration enforcement. The department has sued Chicago, as well as four cities in New Jersey and others across the country.
