Overview
- On June 12, DOJ filed a federal complaint challenging New York’s Protect Our Courts Act for blocking immigration officials from detaining individuals at or near courthouses.
- The lawsuit alleges the state law protects dangerous aliens from lawful arrest and imposes criminal penalties on officers who carry out federal warrants.
- Justice Department lawyers argue the act violates the Supremacy Clause by obstructing the execution of federal immigration authorities.
- Attorney General Pamela Bondi described the law as “lawless sanctuary city policy” that jeopardizes public safety by preventing illegal apprehensions.
- This suit follows earlier DOJ challenges this year to sanctuary measures in New Jersey, Illinois and the city of Chicago.