Federal Judge Limits ICE Arrests at Manhattan Immigration Courts
Federal Judge Limits ICE Arrests at Manhattan Immigration Courts
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked most Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests inside and around several Manhattan immigration courts, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over courthouse enforcement practices.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, applies to immigration court locations at 26 Federal Plaza, 201 Varick Street, and 290 Broadway. Under the order, ICE agents may only conduct arrests in limited circumstances, such as situations involving an imminent risk of violence or physical harm.
The decision follows months of controversy surrounding arrests of immigrants who appeared at court for routine hearings and then were detained by ICE officers immediately afterward. Advocates argued that the practice discouraged immigrants from attending mandatory court appearances and interfered with their ability to pursue asylum claims and other immigration relief.
Judge Castel’s ruling comes after government attorneys acknowledged they had incorrectly relied on a Department of Homeland Security memo when defending the courthouse arrests in federal litigation. According to court filings, the Justice Department admitted that the memo cited by government lawyers did not actually authorize arrests inside immigration courts.
The lawsuit challenging the arrests was brought by immigrant advocacy organizations including The Door, African Communities Together, the New York Civil Liberties Union, and Make the Road New York. Plaintiffs argued that courthouse arrests created fear within immigrant communities and forced many individuals to choose between appearing in court or risking detention.
In his decision, Judge Castel noted that while the government has a legitimate interest in enforcing immigration laws, individuals must also be able to attend immigration proceedings “without fear of arrest.”
The ruling represents a major shift from policies implemented during the Trump administration, which expanded ICE enforcement activity at immigration courthouses nationwide. Critics of those policies described scenes in which immigrants attending routine hearings were detained in courthouse hallways and separated from family members immediately after appearing before judges.
Although the order currently applies only to specific Manhattan immigration courts, the case could have broader implications for immigration enforcement practices across the country. The litigation is ongoing, and the federal government may still appeal the ruling.
For immigrants with pending court proceedings, the decision may provide temporary relief, but uncertainty remains. Immigration enforcement policies continue to evolve rapidly, particularly in New York City and other jurisdictions with high volumes of immigration cases.
At Pollack, Pollack, Isaac & DeCicco, LLP, we continue to monitor these developments closely and assist individuals facing removal proceedings and immigration court appearances. We take the time to explain your rights, evaluate your legal options, and help you prepare for changes in enforcement policy that may affect your case.
If you have questions about your immigration status or need guidance on your specific situation, call us at 212-233-8100 to schedule a consultation with our team.
