A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice that challenged New York’s Protect Our Courts Act, according to a statement released by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The Protect Our Courts Act, enacted in 2020, was designed to prevent civil immigration arrests in and around New York courthouses. This legislation followed an earlier court victory secured by Attorney General James that blocked such arrests under the Trump administration.
Attorney General James commented on the decision: “Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear. This ruling ensures that anyone can use New York’s state courts without being targeted by federal authorities.
“My office will continue fighting to defend the dignity and rights of immigrant communities throughout New York.”
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York determined that federal immigration law does not override New York’s authority to protect access to its courts. The Department of Justice had filed its lawsuit against the law in June 2025.
