NY directive restricting ICE action in courts doesn’t go far enough, immigrant rights group says

An immigrant rights group says it will continue to press for a state law to prevent federal immigration agents from making arrests in and around courtrooms despite a similar directive from the state Office of Court Administration.

Jonathan Bix, executive director of the group Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, said Wednesday’s directive was a victory but does not go far enough.

The Office of Court Administration ruled Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents looking to make arrests inside courthouses in New York state can’t do so without judicial warrants or orders. State legislation called the Protect Our Courts Act would go further, barring ICE agents from making warrantless immigration arrests inside courthouses and also as subjects are arriving at or leaving courts.