Overview

• Chief Justice Raheem Mullins enacted the policy Tuesday, requiring a judicial warrant for any arrest in public areas of state courthouses and prohibiting law enforcement from wearing masks inside.
• Gov. Ned Lamont backed the move, saying the rules are meant to ensure people feel safe using courthouses, including victims and witnesses.
• The policy applies to state courts only, while a separate federal order by Chief U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea already limits arrests within designated federal courthouse spaces in Hartford.
• Legislative leaders said they will pursue codification, exploring civil remedies such as trespass or breach of peace for violations and acknowledging that marshals cannot physically stop heavily armed federal agents.
• Republican leaders criticized the rules as sanctuary-style protections, and Lamont is meeting today with school superintendents to discuss keeping students safe from immigration enforcement.