A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice that challenged New York’s Protect Our Courts Act. The law, enacted in 2020, aims to prevent civil immigration arrests in and around state courthouses.
New York Attorney General Letitia James responded to the court’s decision with a statement: “Everyone deserves to seek justice without fear. Today’s decision ensures that anyone can use New York state courts without being pursued by federal authorities.
“My office will continue to fight to defend the dignity and rights of immigrant communities across New York.”
The Protect Our Courts Act was established after a 2020 court ruling stopped the Trump administration from conducting civil immigration arrests at or near New York courthouses. The law was intended to solidify these protections for individuals involved in legal proceedings within the state.
In June 2025, the Department of Justice sought to overturn this legislation, arguing it conflicted with federal immigration law. However, the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York ruled that no part of federal immigration law overrides New York’s authority to ensure access to its courts.
This outcome maintains existing safeguards for those seeking recourse through New York’s judicial system and reinforces state efforts to protect immigrant communities’ access to justice.
