President Trump’s push to enforce federal immigration law faces a new legal showdown in deep-blue New York.
The Trump administration has filed a major lawsuit against the state of New York, targeting a law that blocks immigration agents from making arrests at courthouses. The law, known as the Protect Our Courts Act, was passed in 2020 and has been widely criticized by law enforcement advocates and constitutional scholars.
Filed in federal court in Albany, the 17-page lawsuit seeks to strike down the law and two related executive orders, arguing they violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and obstruct the duties of federal immigration officers.
“These laws create dangerous roadblocks to lawful immigration enforcement and unfairly target federal agencies,” the complaint reads.
New York’s Law Under Fire for Shielding Illegal Immigrants
The Protect Our Courts Act prevents Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from making civil immigration arrests while individuals are traveling to, attending, or leaving court proceedings. Critics say the law creates sanctuary zones where illegal immigrants can avoid lawful detention—even if they’re wanted by federal authorities.
The Trump administration argues that courthouse arrests are safer for the public and for officers, as individuals entering court buildings are screened for weapons and generally more cooperative.
“When federal officers are blocked from doing their jobs, public safety suffers,” a senior DOJ official said.
Governor Hochul and Attorney General Defend Sanctuary Policy
The lawsuit comes as Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul testifies on Capitol Hill, defending New York’s status as a sanctuary state. Meanwhile, Attorney General Letitia James (D) doubled down on the controversial law.
“This law protects due process and immigrant rights,” said a spokesperson for James. “We will defend the dignity of all who call New York home.”
But conservatives say this is just another example of Democrat leaders prioritizing open-border ideology over law and order.
Trump Cracks Down on Blue States Defying Federal Immigration Law
In addition to the courthouse law, the lawsuit challenges two executive orders signed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D). These orders:
- Ban civil immigration arrests at a wide range of state-run facilities
- Prohibit government workers from sharing data with federal immigration enforcement
This case marks yet another Trump administration effort to hold Democrat-run cities and states accountable for their sanctuary policies. Past lawsuits have targeted Colorado, Illinois, Chicago, Denver, and other New Jersey jurisdictions.
A Battle Between Federal Law and Liberal Sanctuary Policies
As President Trump continues to put America First, this latest move reaffirms his commitment to restoring immigration enforcement, constitutional authority, and public safety in the face of growing resistance from left-wing state leaders.
“President Trump is standing strong for law-abiding Americans,” said a senior administration official. “No one is above the law—not even sanctuary governors.”